Role SummaryAs a Battery Test and Validation Engineer II (Safety and Abuse) within Rivian's Battery Test and Validation team, you will focus on ensuring our high-voltage battery systems meet strict safety, reliability, and regulatory standards. In this role, you will help establish and validate the boundaries of our technology, collaborating across engineering teams to execute, analyze, and continuously optimize advanced abuse test methodologies.
You will own the execution of critical test streams that evaluate battery packs, modules, and sub-systems under abuse conditions. From short circuits and thermal runaway events to regulatory and material testing, you will play a hands-on role in root-cause investigations and safety countermeasure development, helping turn complex test data into clear learnings that keep our vehicles safe
Responsibilities- Plan, execute, and analyze safety and abuse tests on battery modules, packs, and components, ensuring test plan alignment with the domain owner's objectives
- Develop and refine test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria in alignment with regulatory standards (e.g., UN38.3, FMVSS, IEC, UL) and Rivian's internal safety requirements
- Analyze test data, generate detailed technical reports, and conduct post-test reviews with cross-functional teams
- Implement opportunities for continuous improvement in test methodologies, documentation, and data quality
- Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging best practices in battery safety and abuse testing.
Qualifications- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred; related field acceptable with relevant experience
- 2+ years of related experience
- Strong first principles understanding of underlying physics and governing equations in heat transfer and electrical domains
- Hands-on experience with battery test equipment (test cyclers, isolation meters, high-speed DAQ, CAN tools, thermal chambers, etc.) and data analysis software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and learning agility
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as needed (up to 30% domestic and international travel may be required)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with battery pack design, BMS, and integration in electric vehicles.
- Experience with thermal runaway propagation testing and mitigation strategies
- Familiarity with advanced data analysis, scripting, or automation tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabView, JMP).
- Certification or advanced training in electrical safety (e.g., NFPA 70E, OSHA, or equivalent).
- Experience using statistical tools such as hypothesis testing, calculating sample sizes, and developing predictive numerical models
Pay DisclosureThe salary range for this role is USD 77,800 - 97,300 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.
The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.
You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than October 20, 2026.
