Role Summary

Delivering a validation-ready vehicle depends on translating validation intent into a correctly integrated, fit-for-use asset (LabCar and its surrogates) across DREs, NPI/Supply, RVT, and Special Projects, with V&V owning the integrity of that translation.

As a Staff Technical Program Manager, Validation Software, you will own the operational execution of this integration layer across R1, R2, and EDV Pre-DV asset governance - simultaneously, not one program at a time. You will run the BOM/MPL-to-device reconciliation workstream, hold the cross-functional handshake between Validation, DRE/Device Teams, NPI, RVT, and Special Projects, and drive the fit-for-use decision that gates FM3-demonstrable evidence into DVB. You are accountable for consistent execution of this model across every program running it in parallel - not just for any single program's outcome. This is a working, hands-on TPM role inside a governance function that is scaling - you will help build the process as much as run it.

Responsibilities

• Own the BOM/MPL • device • asset translation workstream: reconcile validation intent, software maturity, and released or surrogate device content into a single integrated asset demand, in partnership with DREs and Device Teams.
• Own execution consistency across the full platform of simultaneous Pre-DV programs (R1, R2, EDV) - apply the same governance model, definitions, and fit-for-use bar whether one program or several are running in parallel, and surface and resolve process drift between programs before it becomes divergent practice.
• Run the pre-DV asset R&R model day to day - the handshake between Validation/Feature (intent), V&V (integration + governance), NPI/Supply (device delivery), RVT (functional build), and Special Projects (physical build) - and keep each accountability distinct and current.
• Track and drive closure on DRE responsibilities: surrogate or released part readiness, technical function/data content, early flagging of form-fit-function deviation, and transmittal data traceable to the correct end devices.
• Host and facilitate the pre-DV cross-functional reviews to negotiate production-intent, sourcing, and timing gaps before DVB.
• Maintain visibility into asset and device readiness against program milestones, and escalate maturity or timing mismatches to Vehicle Line and program leadership before they become launch risks.
• Support the fit-for-use decision: confirm intended validation is supported, the LabCar functions, and the physical build works, before FM3-demonstrable evidence is claimed.
• Build and maintain dashboards/metrics for asset governance status (RAG-style tracking across sourcing, delivery, negotiation, and governance), and provide clear, data-backed updates to senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to scaling this governance model as the team grows - turning working practice into repeatable process, templates, and RACI as headcount and program count increase.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Typically 5-8+ years of experience in automotive or complex electro-mechanical products, including significant experience in technical program management, systems engineering, or validation/test asset planning.
• Working knowledge of BOM/MPL structures, device or part transmittal processes, and how pre-production surrogate parts differ from production-intent parts.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating across engineering, program, NPI/supply chain, and build/test teams to resolve part, device, or asset delivery gaps under time pressure.
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity in a governance model that is still being defined - able to drive clarity on R&R without waiting for it to be handed down.
• Strong fluency with tools such as Jira, Confluence, and dashboarding tools to drive decisions, not just report status.
• Proven ability to influence across functions and levels, and to facilitate cross-functional alignment (e.g., a deviation/negotiation forum) without formal authority over every party in the room.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $154,000 - $192,500 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 salary range for this role is $140,600 - $175,800 for Michigan 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). There is no fixed deadline for this application; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled or the opening is no longer needed.