Manager, Electrical Systems Validation Test

Role Summary

This role will lead the Electrical Systems Validation Test team responsible for system-leveltesting on labcars, Hardware Validation Build vehicles, and other validation platforms. Theseplatforms support a broad range of system-level test objectives throughout the vehicledevelopment cycle.As the people leader for the team, you will set direction, establish priorities, and ensure testingis executed with rigor, efficiency, and clear accountability. This is a hands-on leadership role thatrequires 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, andoperational effectiveness of Hardware Validation Build vehicles used by the team. Success inthis role requires deep electrical systems expertise, data-driven execution, strongcross-functional influence, and a commitment to developing a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

● Lead, coach, and develop a team of electrical systems validation test engineers andtechnicians; clarify expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and support individualgrowth.● Build and manage the team’s validation strategy, priorities, staffing plans, schedules, andexecution processes in alignment with broader vehicle and sub-functional goals.● Lead system-level testing on lab cars and Hardware Validation Build vehicles, whileenabling partner engineering teams to perform their own testing effectively.● Translate electrical system requirements and program objectives into comprehensivevalidation plans, test methods, and measurable completion criteria.● Guide the development and execution of test procedures to verify electrical systemrequirements 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 planningin 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 vehicleoperations teams to protect test execution and schedule.● Lead projects and validation programs involving diverse stakeholders; communicateprogress, risks, dependencies, and decisions clearly to keep work on track.● Identify opportunities to improve test coverage, data quality, laboratory and vehicleutilization, issue turnaround time, and overall team efficiency.● Build strong partnerships across the function, resolve conflicts by understanding differingperspectives, and secure early stakeholder alignment for changes in direction orprocess.● Recognize recruiting needs, participate in hiring, and build the team capabilities requiredto 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 inautomotive, aerospace, marine, or related industries, including experience leadingtechnical work or teams.● Experience managing, mentoring, or developing engineers and/or technicians, with ademonstrated ability to drive performance through feedback and coaching.● Deep understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and vehicle-level electricalsystems.● Demonstrated ability to lead validation programs or projects involving diversecross-functional stakeholders.● Experience developing validation strategies, test plans, procedures, schedules, andmetrics for complex hardware and software systems.● Strong data analysis and technical problem-solving skills, with a disciplined methodologyfor identifying root cause and driving issues to closure.● Hands-on experience with electrical test equipment and data-acquisition tools, includingmultimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, CANalyzer, Wireshark, and other analog anddigital dataloggers.● Ability to read and interpret wiring schematics and interact with CAD andconfiguration-management tools.● Familiarity with software version-control systems such as Git.● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicateexpectations, progress, risks, and technical decisions.● Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment and maintain accountabilityfor 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.