Test Automation Hardware Engineer

Position Overview

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between industry leaders committed to driving innovation in automotive technologies through advanced software and hardware solutions. In this role, you will be an individual contributor developing automated test solutions for electrical hardware—including Level 3+ ADAS, telematics, infotainment, battery management, and vehicle control systems—across both R&D and high-volume manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design modular and reusable automated test equipment (ATE) by leveraging hardware frameworks, custom parts, as well as off-the-shelf instrumentation.
• Work with cross-functional engineering groups to define test requirements and system definitions from schematics and block diagrams.
• Design custom test PCBAs to interface with automotive ECUs.
• Design rack-based test systems that integrate PCBAs and off-the-shelf equipment to create modular test solutions for the latest automotive technologies.
• Create well documented diagrams, bills of materials, and standard operating procedures for test automation systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams during purchasing, station build, integration, and final commissioning.
• Work with technicians to communicate requirements and ensure proper implementation.
• Own test system documentation.

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS or equivalent work experience in Electrical Engineering or related fields.
• 5+ years of relevant working experience designing modular electrical hardware for test automation systems ranging from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.
• Ability to read electrical circuits and schematics, navigate PCB layouts, and understand manufacturer’s product data sheets.
• Experience working in the automotive, semiconductor, or aerospace industries.
• Familiarity with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, CANFD, DoIP, Automotive Ethernet, LIN, etc.).
• Experience with industrial buses and protocols (USB, VISA, GPIB, Ethernet, Serial, RS-485, SPI, I2C, etc.).
• Experience supporting deployment of automated test equipment in manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on hardware integration experience with automated test equipment.
• Experience with automation instrumentation such as programmable power supplies, multiplexers, DMMs, signal analyzers, signal generators, and multifunction devices (digital and analog).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming microcontrollers and FPGAs.
• Experience with mechanical design.
• Familiarity with Python and LabVIEW.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: $96,700 - $120,900 (Based in Irvine, California; actual compensation determined based on experience, location, and other factors).
• Compensation: Total rewards include base salary, annual performance bonus eligibility, and equity participation.
• Benefits: Robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, Flex Time Off, and retirement savings plans.
• Location: Irvine, California.