Manager, Electrical Systems Validation Test

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.

Summary This role will lead the Electrical Systems Validation Test team responsible for system-level testing on labcars, Hardware Validation Build vehicles, and other validation platforms. These platforms support a broad range of system-level test objectives throughout the vehicle development cycle. As the people leader for the team, you will set direction, establish priorities, and ensure testing is executed with rigor, efficiency, and clear accountability. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires 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, and operational effectiveness of Hardware Validation Build vehicles used by the team. Success in this role requires deep electrical systems expertise, data-driven execution, strong cross-functional influence, and a commitment to developing a high-performing team. Responsibilities ● Lead, coach, and develop a team of electrical systems validation test engineers and technicians; clarify expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and support individual growth. ● Build and manage the team’s validation strategy, priorities, staffing plans, schedules, and execution processes in alignment with broader vehicle and sub-functional goals. ● Lead system-level testing on lab cars and Hardware Validation Build vehicles, while enabling partner engineering teams to perform their own testing effectively. ● Translate electrical system requirements and program objectives into comprehensive validation plans, test methods, and measurable completion criteria. ● Guide the development and execution of test procedures to verify electrical system requirements 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 planning in 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 vehicle operations teams to protect test execution and schedule. ● Lead projects and validation programs involving diverse stakeholders; communicate progress, risks, dependencies, and decisions clearly to keep work on track. ● Identify opportunities to improve test coverage, data quality, laboratory and vehicle utilization, issue turnaround time, and overall team efficiency. ● Build strong partnerships across the function, resolve conflicts by understanding differing perspectives, and secure early stakeholder alignment for changes in direction or process. ● Recognize recruiting needs, participate in hiring, and build the team capabilities required to 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 in automotive, aerospace, marine, or related industries, including experience leading technical