Role Summary

This role will lead the Electrical Systems Validation Test team responsible for system-level
testing on labcars, Hardware Validation Build vehicles, and other validation platforms. These
platforms support a broad range of system-level test objectives throughout the vehicle
development cycle.
As the people leader for the team, you will set direction, establish priorities, and ensure testing
is executed with rigor, efficiency, and clear accountability. This is a hands-on leadership role that
requires strong technical judgment and regular interaction with vehicle hardware and software.
You will guide the team through test planning, procedure development, execution, data review,
troubleshooting, and issue closure. You will also own the readiness, configuration, and
operational effectiveness of Hardware Validation Build vehicles used by the team. Success in
this role requires deep electrical systems expertise, data-driven execution, strong
cross-functional influence, and a commitment to developing a high-performing team.

Responsibilities
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of electrical systems validation test engineers and
technicians; clarify expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and support individual
growth.
• Build and manage the team's validation strategy, priorities, staffing plans, schedules, and
execution processes in alignment with broader vehicle and sub-functional goals.
• Lead system-level testing on lab cars and Hardware Validation Build vehicles, while
enabling partner engineering teams to perform their own testing effectively.
• Translate electrical system requirements and program objectives into comprehensive
validation plans, test methods, and measurable completion criteria.
• Guide the development and execution of test procedures to verify electrical system
requirements across power distribution, network communication, sensor behavior,
diagnostics, and related vehicle functions.
• Review test results to confirm requirements are met or identify off-nominal behavior.
• Drive issue tracking, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action planning
in partnership with engineering and program stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain processes for managing hardware and software configuration,
readiness, changes, and issue status on labcars and Hardware Validation Build vehicles.
• Plan and implement hardware and software changes with development and vehicle
operations teams to protect test execution and schedule.
• Lead projects and validation programs involving diverse stakeholders; communicate
progress, risks, dependencies, and decisions clearly to keep work on track.
• Identify opportunities to improve test coverage, data quality, laboratory and vehicle
utilization, issue turnaround time, and overall team efficiency.
• Build strong partnerships across the function, resolve conflicts by understanding differing
perspectives, and secure early stakeholder alignment for changes in direction or
process.
• Recognize recruiting needs, participate in hiring, and build the team capabilities required
to support current and future vehicle programs.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Systems, Aerospace Engineering,
or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience with electrical system design, integration, validation, or testing in
automotive, aerospace, marine, or related industries, including experience leading
technical work or teams.
• Experience managing, mentoring, or developing engineers and/or technicians, with a
demonstrated ability to drive performance through feedback and coaching.
• Deep understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and vehicle-level electrical
systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead validation programs or projects involving diverse
cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience developing validation strategies, test plans, procedures, schedules, and
metrics for complex hardware and software systems.
• Strong data analysis and technical problem-solving skills, with a disciplined methodology
for identifying root cause and driving issues to closure.
• Hands-on experience with electrical test equipment and data-acquisition tools, including
multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, CANalyzer, Wireshark, and other analog and
digital dataloggers.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring schematics and interact with CAD and
configuration-management tools.
• Familiarity with software version-control systems such as Git.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate
expectations, progress, risks, and technical decisions.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment and maintain accountability
for quality, schedule, and team results.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $167,400 - $209,300 for Palo Alto, CA-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 an 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.