Vehicle Testing Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

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. 

The Vehicle Hardware Validation Technician supports Vehicle Hardware Engineering (VHE) by executing
inhouse structural, durability, and mechatronic tests. This handson lab role focuses on safe, efficient test
execution, reliable data, and an organized work environment.

Set up and run structural and durability tests using servoelectric actuators and robotbased
equipment.
Install and align test articles, fixtures, and sensors (load, displacement, strain where applicable).
Monitor tests for safety, data quality, and equipment health; stop and escalate when issues arise.
Support mechatronic system tests, including sensors, actuators, control modules, and
CAN/VECTOR interfaces.
Build and validate sensor wiring and routing for structural and mechatronic test setups.
Perform 3D scanning and CMM arm measurements to support geometry capture and correlation
with simulation.
Safely operate forklifts and other materialhandling equipment to move vehicles, components,
and fixtures.
Perform light fabrication and rework (drilling, cutting, simple brackets, hardware installation) for
test setups.
Maintain a safe, orderly lab (housekeeping, 5S, basic equipment checks) and track parts/fixture
inventory.
Document test setups, conditions, anomalies, and results, and provide concise summaries to
engineers.

2+ years in a handson test lab, validation, R&D, or manufacturing technician role
(mechanical/structural focus preferred).
Completion of a technical program in Automotive Technology, Collision Repair, or an associate
degree in Engineering Technology (or similar) is preferred.
Working knowledge of mechanical systems, basic statics, and load paths.
Experience operating electromechanical equipment (actuators, robots, or similar) with a strong
safety focus.
Proficiency with basic measurement tools; exposure to 3D scanning, CMM, and data acquisition
systems.
Comfortable with basic fabrication, assembly, hand soldering, and simple wiring/harness
documentation.
Experience with industrial robots or automated test cells is a plus.
Familiarity with CAD models, engineering drawings/GD&T, and tools like Jira or similar tracking
systems.
Ability to lift and position components and fixtures using proper ergonomics.
Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and communication in a fastpaced
environment.

Additional Information
Onsite lab role with regular interaction with test equipment, vehicles, and heavy components.
May require occasional offshift or weekend work to support critical testing.
Strict adherence to PPE, lockout/tagout, and all lab safety protocols is required.

The Hourly Pay Range for this role is $32.49 - $36.10 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.

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.

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.  

How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.

Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.

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

2+ years in a handson test lab, validation, R&D, or manufacturing technician role
(mechanical/structural focus preferred).
Completion of a technical program in Automotive Technology, Collision Repair, or an associate
degree in Engineering Technology (or similar) is preferred.
Working knowledge of mechanical systems, basic statics, and load paths.
Experience operating electromechanical equipment (actuators, robots, or similar) with a strong
safety focus.
Proficiency with basic measurement tools; exposure to 3D scanning, CMM, and data acquisition
systems.
Comfortable with basic fabrication, assembly, hand soldering, and simple wiring/harness
documentation.
Experience with industrial robots or automated test cells is a plus.
Familiarity with CAD models, engineering drawings/GD&T, and tools like Jira or similar tracking
systems.
Ability to lift and position components and fixtures using proper ergonomics.
Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and communication in a fastpaced
environment.

Additional Information
Onsite lab role with regular interaction with test equipment, vehicles, and heavy components.
May require occasional offshift or weekend work to support critical testing.
Strict adherence to PPE, lockout/tagout, and all lab safety protocols is required.