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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Validation Engineer - Vehicle Hardware - **Company:** Rivian - **Location:** Irvine, CA, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, JIRA, Software Debugging, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Microsoft Office, Test Data, Jama (Software), Facebook Flow, Test Scripts, Hardware Testing, Data Analytics, Enovia, Gsuite - **Published:** May 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=8e1622ae25b9cc23 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Stakeholder management?, Do you have a Master's degree?, Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree a plus. * 1+ years of experience in automotive (or closely related) requirements, validation, and/or mechanical system design, with significant exposure to strength, fatigue, and durability testing for structural and/or Exterior components. * Deep familiarity with vehicle hardware validation (Exterior, Interior, Closures, Structures, and/or Chassis): environmental, durability, mechanical, and functional tests; BSR/NVH and craftsmanship a plus. * Experience developing and interpreting DVP&R, test standards (OEM or industry), and DFMEA-driven validation plans. * Strong command of statistical methods for validation (sample size, reliability/confidence intervals, attribute vs. variable data). * Practical experience designing, commissioning, or improving test fixtures an tooling using CAD. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; comfort working in Jira and other lifecycle/requirements tools (e.g., Jama, Flow, Enovia) is a plus. * Soft skills * Proven ability to self-direct in a fast-changing program environment, while keeping stakeholders aligned on priorities and risks. * Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to synthesize complex test results into clear recommendations for engineers, TPMs, and leadership. * Collaborative mindset and a track record of building trust with design, validation, supplier, and lab partners. ## Description + Develop and manage comprehensive subsystem validation plans (DVPs) for Exteriors across specific vehicle programs, aligned to DFMEA and requirements. + Define verification strategies at system, subsystem, and component level, including ED/DV/MV coverage and build-phase alignment. + Define clear, data-driven criteria + Partner with CAE and DREs to link physical validation to analytical predictionsand regulatory/certification requirements. + Continuously improve test methods and coverage + Research and benchmark new industry validation methods; identify gaps iRivian's current portfolio and introduce new tests needed to achieve target vehicle performance for Exteriors and vehicle hardware. + Develop and revise Rivian Testing Standards (RTS), capturing lessons learned from previous test programs. + Lead vendor collaboration and on-site execution + Work closely with external test labs to quote, source, plan, and schedule validation testing to meet program budgets, maturity needs, and timing milestones (SVP/IVP/CVP/FVP). + Provide hands-on support at labs (Rivian and external) for setup, shakedown, debug, and first-time or complex tests; ensure fixtures, tooling, and procedures are safe, robust, and compliant with RTS and RPS guidance. + Troubleshoot issues and drive closure + Assist in troubleshooting issues identified during validation (performance, durability, BSR/NVH, fit/finish, or safety concerns), working with DREs, CAE, reliability and suppliers to identify root cause, define corrective actions, and document outcomes. * Use DFMEA, test data, and field/quality feedback to refine validation plans and requirements. * Own test documentation and compliance * Receive, catalog, and archive external test reports and Rivian test reports in accordance with record retention and data-management policies; ensure traceability to DVP line items and parts/maturity. * Develop tools, fixtures, and cost models * Design or review validation-specific tools and fixtures in CAD (e.g., durability rigs, impact fixtures, environmental setups) to ensure repeatable, representative loading and boundary conditions. * Own and continuously improve the test cost estimator for vehicle hardware validation: generate cost estimates, challenge supplier quotes, and highlight trade-offs between scope, timing, risk, and budget. * Collaborate across teams * Partner daily with Product Engineering (DREs), CAE, TPMs, supplier quality, lab technicians, and external partners to align on priorities, risks, and trade-offs. ## Related Videos - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) - [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution) - [Agile work at CARIAD – Creating a customer web application for controlling the vehicle ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/200-agile-work-at-cariad-creating-a-customer-web-application-for-controlling-the-vehicle) - [Integrate your Cognitive Assistant with 3rd-party DBs and software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/249-integrate-your-cognitive-assistant-with-3rd-party-dbs-and-software) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)