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Vehicle Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Vehicle Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do vehicle systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vehicle Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or automotive engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with automotive design software (such as CATIA or MATLAB/Simulink), vehicle diagnostics tools, and knowledge of industry standards like ISO 26262 are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills set top candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing safe, efficient vehicle systems and ensuring successful integration, testing, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

How does a Vehicle Systems Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a vehicle development project?

Vehicle Systems Engineers play a central role in coordinating between multiple teams, such as mechanical design, electrical engineering, software development, and testing groups. They act as a bridge to ensure that all vehicle subsystems (such as powertrain, infotainment, and safety features) integrate seamlessly and meet project requirements. This collaboration often involves regular cross-functional meetings, design reviews, and troubleshooting sessions to resolve integration challenges quickly. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this team-oriented environment.

What does a Vehicle Systems Engineer do?

A Vehicle Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, integrating, and managing the complex systems within vehicles, such as electrical, mechanical, and software components. They ensure that all subsystems work together efficiently and meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. Their work often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop new vehicle technologies, troubleshoot issues, and improve overall vehicle functionality. Vehicle Systems Engineers play a crucial role in the development of modern vehicles, including electric and autonomous vehicles.

What is the difference between Vehicle Systems Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectVehicle Systems EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; often certifications in systems engineeringBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; licensure optional
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, or transportation industries; focus on vehicle integrationManufacturing, product design, or research labs; broad engineering applications
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, aerospace firms, transportation companiesManufacturers, consulting firms, R&D departments across industries

Vehicle Systems Engineers specialize in integrating and testing vehicle subsystems, often working closely with automotive and aerospace industries. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. Both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, but Vehicle Systems Engineers focus more on vehicle-specific systems and integration.

More about Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Systems Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Vehicle Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 75% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Vehicle systems engineer - (Mechatronic systems)

Vehicle systems engineer - (Mechatronic systems)

Rivian

Irvine, CA • On-site

$107.80K - $134.80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Rivian rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. 

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 


Role Summary

At Rivian, Mechatronics Systems Engineers are the domain owners from requirements through production for functional systems. This means, you will be the domain/product owner within the functional group with a “cradle to grave” approach to design & development, testing & launch, along with supporting the commercial & timing activities.


Responsibilities

• Lead collaborative development of vehicle power systems including interface with engineering, controls, manufacturing, studio design, quality, and customer experience teams.
• Responsible for system level definition, functional requirements from ME, EE, SW and also support EE, SW architecture design and integration at both component and system level.
• Lead development of mechatronic systems through system “V” development for concept to launch with design reviews and cross-functional team signoffs.
• Working proficiency in SW controls, EE, Electronics and expertise in development, testing and validation methods of mechatronics systems.
• Ability to develop test procedures to simulate vehicle performance.
• Develop component and system design, EOL specifications, detailed test methods and system level DFMEA, DV, PV for complex mechatronic systems.
• Analytical development using model-based design, MBSE/MBD simulation toolsets, MIL/SIL/HIL and use extensive problem-solving methods for debugging, issue resolution.
• Developing and managing your system, subsystem, and component part information through the Enovia PLM to Catia V6 environment.
• Support component release and systems throughout program lifecycle, including concept design, supplier engagement, BOM management, simulation analysis, prototyping builds, validation testing, and production support.
• Support the development of robust algorithms for vehicle systems from a clean sheet, including software architecture, implementation, integration and test.
• Continually push technology to lead and define the new state of art for system simulations and control.
• Develop and maintain best practices: Design Standards, Test Procedures, Technical Specifications, etc.
• Develop and maintain standard Quality Documents: DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plan, etc.
• Instrument vehicles prior to testing and operate data acquisition systems.
• Benchmark competitive vehicles, record relevant information and refine Rivian's target metrics.
• Be a champion of 1st principles design methodology across the entire vehicle.
• Investigate and resolve issues related to design.


Qualifications
  • Bachelors of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics engineering (Masters preferred)
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in automotive systems development or equivalent industry experience
  • Strong background in systems engineering, controls, functional safety, and ISO 26262 with experience in developing complex mechatronics systems (both sensing and actuating)
  • A strong understanding of the 1st principles physics of an automotive system – the loads, forces, and overall function of the system, and the tradeoffs among design, package, function, and customer experience involved with these systems.
  • Ability to self-direct, self-managing issues to closure involving all necessary teams, and adapt quickly to program changes.
  • Knowledge of an automotive design and development process, system requirements, and general engineering best practices.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of integrity.
  • Ability to deliver under pressure and manage component design & development within cost, weight, and timing constraints.
  • Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required throughout product development.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $107,800 - $134,800 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 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. 



Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. 

Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. 

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.  

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelors of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics engineering (Masters preferred)
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in automotive systems development or equivalent industry experience
  • Strong background in systems engineering, controls, functional safety, and ISO 26262 with experience in developing complex mechatronics systems (both sensing and actuating)
  • A strong understanding of the 1st principles physics of an automotive system – the loads, forces, and overall function of the system, and the tradeoffs among design, package, function, and customer experience involved with these systems.
  • Ability to self-direct, self-managing issues to closure involving all necessary teams, and adapt quickly to program changes.
  • Knowledge of an automotive design and development process, system requirements, and general engineering best practices.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of integrity.
  • Ability to deliver under pressure and manage component design & development within cost, weight, and timing constraints.
  • Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required throughout product development.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009