Validation Engineer, Chassis
About Us:
As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. Role Summary:
Qualifications: Pay Disclosure:
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
We are seeking a Validation Engineer to develop, manage, and execute validation plans for chassis component-level testing within vehicle programs. This role plays a key part in ensuring chassis systems meet performance, durability, and regulatory targets through rigorous validation processes. The ideal candidate will bring experience in fatigue and block cycle durability testing, paired with strong coordination skills for managing both in-house and external test activities. This position requires close collaboration with durability, chassis, dynamics, and program teams, as well as external testing vendors, to deliver structurally robust products that meet Rivian’s quality standards.
Responsibilities: Validation Planning & Management
o Develop and manage comprehensive validation plans for chassis subsystems and components, tailored to specific vehicle programs.
o Establish test criteria to confirm all requirements are met, including sample size, statistical analysis, and attribute vs. variable testing considerations.
o Update validation plans as new requirements emerge or DFMEA reviews introduce revised design controls.
o Conduct research and benchmarking to identify necessary chassis validation tests not currently in the portfolio.
o Develop and manage comprehensive validation plans for chassis subsystems and components, tailored to specific vehicle programs.
o Establish test criteria to confirm all requirements are met, including sample size, statistical analysis, and attribute vs. variable testing considerations.
o Update validation plans as new requirements emerge or DFMEA reviews introduce revised design controls.
o Conduct research and benchmarking to identify necessary chassis validation tests not currently in the portfolio.
Durability & Fatigue Testing
o Plan and execute block cycle fatigue testing for chassis components at the component level.
o Support accelerated fatigue testing and apply statistical and engineering analysis to determine test parameters and expected life.
o Set up and operate component-level rigs to ensure correct test configurations.
o Plan and execute block cycle fatigue testing for chassis components at the component level.
o Support accelerated fatigue testing and apply statistical and engineering analysis to determine test parameters and expected life.
o Set up and operate component-level rigs to ensure correct test configurations.
Vendor & Program Coordination
o Collaborate with external testing vendors to obtain quotes, source, and schedule validation testing within program budgets and timelines.
o Review vendor test procedures to ensure alignment with internal requirements.
o Collaborate with external testing vendors to obtain quotes, source, and schedule validation testing within program budgets and timelines.
o Review vendor test procedures to ensure alignment with internal requirements.
o Coordinate multiple concurrent testing and data collection projects across a vehicle program.
Data Analysis & Reporting
o Analyze test data to identify trends, anomalies, and root causes of failures.
o Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified during validation testing, partnering with development engineers.
o Prepare, publish, and archive internal and external test reports in compliance with record retention policies.
o Review full-service supplier validation test reports and DVP&R documentation for subsystem sign-off.
o Analyze test data to identify trends, anomalies, and root causes of failures.
o Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified during validation testing, partnering with development engineers.
o Prepare, publish, and archive internal and external test reports in compliance with record retention policies.
o Review full-service supplier validation test reports and DVP&R documentation for subsystem sign-off.
Tooling & Process Development
o Develop or refine test methods based on lessons learned from previous programs.
o Design CAD-based validation tools, fixtures, and applicators to support test execution.
o Develop or refine test methods based on lessons learned from previous programs.
o Design CAD-based validation tools, fixtures, and applicators to support test execution.
Compliance & Certification
o Ensure certification tests and reports are managed and published in accordance with certification and compliance group requirements.
o Ensure certification tests and reports are managed and published in accordance with certification and compliance group requirements.
o Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field.
o 1–5 years of relevant experience designing and testing mechanical systems for the automotive or related industry.
o Experience with strength and cyclic durability testing is a plus.
o Proficiency with Parametric CAD (Catia V6 preferred).
o Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar programming tools is a plus.
o Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
o Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
o 1–5 years of relevant experience designing and testing mechanical systems for the automotive or related industry.
o Experience with strength and cyclic durability testing is a plus.
o Proficiency with Parametric CAD (Catia V6 preferred).
o Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar programming tools is a plus.
o Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
o Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
o Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; Jira/Confluence experience preferred.
Salary Range Irvine-Based Applicants: $85,600-$107,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
Company Statements: Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.