Sr. Test Technician II, Powertrain

Sr. Test Technician II, Powertrain Rivian - 2.7 Tustin, CA Job Details Full-time 22 hours ago Qualifications Laboratory safety Mechanical assembly Automotive diagnostic scan tool usage Performance testing in mechanical engineering Mechanical fabrication Electronic systems troubleshooting Equipment malfunction troubleshooting Electrical performance testing Electrical instrumentation Electrical safety procedures Automotive component testing Electrical motors Instrumentation and control equipment installation Refrigeration Wiring and circuitry work Instrumentation repair Powertrain Electrical maintenance Technical troubleshooting support Safety procedures for high-voltage work Electrical assembly Instrumentation design Mechanical troubleshooting Custom fixtures Cross-functional communication E & I Electrical fault repair Full Job Description The Test Technician, Powertrain is responsible for operating and maintaining dynamometer and associated test systems used for the development and validation of electrified powertrain systems (drive units, gearboxes, and related components). This role works closely with Powertrain Test and Validation Engineers to install, configure, and maintain test properties across a variety of complex powertrain test equipment, ensuring safe, reliable operation and high-quality test data. Supported by the broader engineering team, the technician provides first-line troubleshooting of operational issues and helps deliver test results that support Rivian's product development and validation plans. Test Operations & Setup Operate and maintain large dynamometers for vehicle- and powertrain-level testing. Build and set up test rigs and dynamometers for mechanical and/or electrical tests in collaboration with Powertrain, NVH, and Thermal engineering teams. Select, install, and verify instrumentation needed to collect response data from products under test (e.g., accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure sensors, thermocouples, thermistors, hygrometers, voltage drop sense leads). Support Test and Validation Engineers in executing test plans and implementing test equipment upgrades and modifications to systems under test. Troubleshooting, Diagnosis & Repair Perform first-line fault finding and diagnosis for operational issues that arise on systems under test and associated test equipment. Perform routine maintenance as well as complex mechanical and electrical repairs on test rigs, dynos, and related systems. Diagnose and repair prototype vehicle electrical, mechanical, and software systems using scan tools, diagnostic equipment, and common automotive test tools. Safety & Compliance Take an active role in Environmental Health & Safety within the laboratory, including contributing to risk assessments and maintaining a safe, well-organized work environment. Follow and promote electric vehicle safety procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and appropriate use of PPE in all test activities. Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement Document test setups, procedures, issues, and findings using established processes and systems, including timely escalation when appropriate. Generate and maintain process documentation and standard work for test rigs and associated test equipment. Provide feedback and implement suggestions to improve workshop standards, protocols, and processes, with a focus on test error-proofing and repeatability. Work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly with fellow technicians, engineers, and cross-functional partners.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements Physical Agility:

Ability to work under strenuous or awkward positions throughout the workday when building, installing, or servicing test hardware.

Lifting:

Ability to lift, move, and assemble components and test fixtures as required in a laboratory environment.

Hazards:

Comfortable working around high-voltage systems, rotating machinery, and other hazards in a controlled test cell environment while following all safety protocols.

Flexibility:

Willingness to work occasional extended hours, off-shift coverage, or weekends as needed to support critical test activities and program milestones. Basic Qualifications 5+ years of hands-on technician experience working directly in test cells and/or with large dynamometer systems. 2+ years of experience working with electrified vehicles or electrified powertrain systems. Strong experience with test instrumentation, including thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, hygrometers, pressure transducers, and flow meters. Demonstrated expertise in powertrain test setup, including alignment, fixturing, and test error-proofing. Proficiency with mechanical tooling, general fabrication, and assembly of test fixtures and rigs. Hands-on experience with electrical wiring, instrumentation, and lab test equipment. Knowledge of electric motor, inverter, and gearbox concepts and their integration in propulsion systems. Knowledge of electric vehicle safety practices and high-voltage system handling. Experience operating scan tools, diagnostic equipment, and common automotive test equipment. Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills applied to powertrain and vehicle system issues. Ability to work effectively in a team environment, with clear verbal and written communication across engineering and technician teams. Demonstrated pride in workmanship and attention to detail in a fast-paced development environment.

Preferred Qualifications Design & Build:

Experience with the design and build of custom mechanical fixtures and test hardware.

Thermal Systems:

Knowledge of propulsion systems and associated thermal management systems (coolant and refrigerant).

Project Support:

Experience supporting test equipment upgrade projects and commissioning new test capabilities.

Problem Solving:

Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods and basic data analysis tools for interpreting test results.