Sr. Safety Test Technician

About the role

The Senior Vehicle Test Technician at Rivian plays a key role in the physical execution of our safety and performance programs. This is a "hands-on" role within the workshop, responsible for the end-to-end preparation, teardown, and analysis of vehicle safety assets, for full vehicle crash test, component or assembly testing and complex sub system tests. You will work as the bridge between theoretical engineering and physical validation, ensuring every test asset is built & prepared to precise specifications and that the testing environment remains safe and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert hands-on support for vehicle rebuilds, retrofits, and complex teardown activities following high-energy test events.
• Collaborate directly with Test Engineers to execute full-vehicle crash tests, sled testing, and component-level safety evaluations.
• Support the installation, extraction, and shipment of critical safety components including airbags, seats, and active safety sensors.
• Maintain the Rivian onsite workshops; manage tool inventory, equipment calibration, and vehicle setup stations to ensure "test-ready" status at all times.
• Aid in the design, fabrication, and assembly of custom test fixtures; maintain an organized fixture repository for recurring DVP requirements.
• Coordinate the organization and secure storage/recycling of pre- and post-test parts; assist engineering teams in the initial analysis of physical test outcomes.
• Operate heavy machinery (forklifts, Stringos, vehicle lifts) and maintain a rigorous safety standard for all personnel within the test environment.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Engineering/Technology or equivalent Automotive Test Technician certification/work experience.
• Strong working level foundational understanding of Automotive Safety components (Airbags, body crash components, electrical architecture).
• Proven ability to work with both mechanical assemblies and electrical systems (LV/HV).
• High level of comfort with heavy machinery, fabrication tools, and vehicle diagnostic equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for incident reporting and documentation.
• Effective communicator across all levels (verbal, email, and digital messaging) to ensure test accuracy and team safety.
• Willingness to work extended hours/night sessions during critical vehicle prep windows and travel out-of-state as project needs dictate.
• Collaborative Mindset: A "team-first" attitude is essential; you thrive in high-pressure environments where coordination is key.
• Detail-Oriented: Precision is non-negotiable when preparing safety assets; you notice the small discrepancies that could impact test data.
• Problem Solver: You are proactive in identifying workshop inefficiencies and suggesting improvements to fixture designs or workflows.
• Resilient: Comfortable working in a physically demanding environment that requires heavy lifting and standing for extended periods.

Qualifications

• Must be an effective communicator across all levels (verbal, email, and digital messaging) to ensure test accuracy and team safety.
• Willingness to work extended hours/night sessions during critical vehicle prep windows and travel out-of-state as project needs dictate.
• Collaborative Mindset: A "team-first" attitude is essential; you thrive in high-pressure environments where coordination is key.
• Detail-Oriented: Precision is non-negotiable when preparing safety assets; you notice the small discrepancies that could impact test data.
• Problem Solver: You are proactive in identifying workshop inefficiencies and suggesting improvements to fixture designs or workflows.
• Resilient: Comfortable working in a physically demanding environment that requires heavy lifting and standing for extended periods.

Skills

• Expertise in automotive safety components (Airbags, body crash components, electrical architecture).
• Ability to work with both mechanical assemblies and electrical systems (LV/HV).
• Comfort with heavy machinery, fabrication tools, and vehicle diagnostic equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Benefits

• 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.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $40.67-$50.84/hour for New York 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.