Sr. Hardware Test Engineer, Cleaning Systems

As a member of Rivian’s Electrical Hardware mechanical team, you will be an intrinsic part of shaping new and exciting products – you will develop from concept into volume production while driving the creation of innovative, impactful, and world-class performing parts.

• Lead test and performance evaluation for the sensor cleaning system on our L4 autonomous program, from bench characterization through vehicle-level validation.

• Own and operate the sensor cleaning lab, including equipment specification, procurement, capability roadmap, and test scheduling.

• Develop test plans and component-level performance requirements with acceptance criteria tied to sensor cleanliness and perception availability.

• Design, build, and instrument test benches, fixtures, and rapid prototype hardware to support design iteration and test execution.

• Own data acquisition and test automation, including instrumentation, DAQ setup, data logging, and post-processing.

• Lead root cause investigation of test failures and drive findings into design changes and DFMEA.

• Drive cross-functional scheduling and follow-through on post-test decisions, coordinating with design, ADAS, EE, and supplier teams to turn test findings into agreed actions and closure dates.

• Support low-voltage electrical integration of sensor cleaning actuators, including actuator characterization, harness definition, and diagnostic verification.

• Support system and vehicle-level sensor cleaning functional testing and feature validation test

• Strong technical communication skills, with the ability to present test data clearly to engineering and leadership audiences and drive decisions from results.

• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the position.

• At least 3+ years industry experience within automotive or other industries, experience in autonomy preferred, priority given to experience in sensor cleaning system.

• B.S degree (or above), in mechanical engineering, or relevant equivalent experience.

• Solid fluid mechanics and aerodynamics fundamentals

• Strong data acquisition skills: instrumentation and sensor selection, DAQ hardware, LabVIEW or equivalent, CAN logging, high-speed video.

• Ability to define a test from a requirement rather than execute a written procedure.

• Proficiency in Python for test automation and data analysis; working knowledge of DOE and statistical methods.

• CAD proficiency for fixtures and prototype parts (Catia preferred); comfortable with 3D printing and basic machining.

• Working knowledge of DVP&R and DFMEA.