The posting
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. Role Summary Delivering a validation-ready vehicle depends on translating validation intent into a correctly integrated, fit-for-use asset (LabCar and its surrogates) across DREs, NPI/Supply, RVT, and Special Projects, with V&V owning the integrity of that translation. As a Staff Technical Program Manager, Validation Software, you will own the operational execution of this integration layer across R1, R2, and EDV Pre-DV asset governance — simultaneously, not one program at a time. You will run the BOM/MPL-to-device reconciliation workstream, hold the cross-functional handshake between Validation, DRE/Device Teams, NPI, RVT, and Special Projects, and drive the fit-for-use decision that gates FM3-demonstrable evidence into DVB. You are accountable for consistent execution of this model across every program running it in parallel — not just for any single program's outcome. This is a working, hands-on TPM role inside a governance function that is scaling — you will help build the process as much as run it. Responsibilities Own the BOM/MPL → device → asset translation workstream: reconcile validation intent, software maturity, and released or surrogate device content into a single integrated asset demand, in partnership with DREs and Device Teams. Own execution consistency across the full platform of simultaneous Pre-DV programs (R1, R2, EDV) — apply the same governance model, definitions, and fit-for-use bar whether one program or several are running in parallel, and surface and resolve process drift between programs before it becomes divergent practice. Run the pre-DV asset R&R model day to day — the handshake between Validation/Feature (intent), V&V (integration + governance), NPI/Supply (device delivery), RVT (functional build), and Special Projects (physical build) — and keep each accountability distinct and current. Track and drive closure on DRE responsibilities: surrogate or released part readiness, technical function/data content, early flagging of form-fit-function deviation, and transmittal data traceable to the correct end devices. Host and facilitate the pre-DV cross-functional reviews to negotiate production-intent, sourcing, and timing gaps before DVB. Maintain visibility into asset and device readiness against program milestones, and escalate maturity or timing mismatches to Vehicle Line and program leadership before they become launch risks. Support the fit-for-use decision: confirm intended validation is supported, the LabCar functions, and the physical build works, before FM3-demonstrable evidence is claimed. Build and maintain dashboards/metrics for asset governance status (RAG-style tracking across sourcing, delivery, negotiation, and governance), and provide clear, data-backed updates to senior stakeholders. Contribute to scaling this governance model as the team grows — turning working practice into repeatable process, templates, and RACI as headcount and program count increase. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field. Typically 5–8+ years of experience in automotive or complex electro-mechanical products, including significant experience in technical program management, systems engineering, or validation/test asset planning. Working knowledge of BOM/MPL structures, device or part transmittal processes, and how pre-production surrogate parts differ from production-intent parts. Demonstrated experience coordinating across engineering, program, NPI/supply chain, and build/test teams to resolve part, device, or asset delivery gaps under time pressure. Comfortable operating with ambiguity in a governance model that is still being defined — able to drive clarity on R&R without waiting for it to be handed down. Strong fluency with tools such as Jira, Confluence, and dashboarding tools to drive decisions, not just report status. Proven ability to influence across functions and levels, and to facilitate cross-functional alignment (e.g., a deviation/negotiation forum) without formal authority over every party in the room. Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is $154,000 - $192,500 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 salary range for this role is $140,600 - $175,800 for Michigan 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 and equity awards. We offer a 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. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com. You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). There is no fixed deadline for this application; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled or the opening is no longer needed. Equal Opportunity 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 [email protected]. Candidate Data Privacy and Technology 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. AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate. 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.
Own the BOM/MPL → device → asset translation workstream: reconcile validation intent, software maturity, and released or surrogate device content into a single integrated asset demand, in partnership with DREs and Device Teams. Own execution consistency across the full platform of simultaneous Pre-DV programs (R1, R2, EDV) — apply the same governance model, definitions, and fit-for-use bar whether one program or several are running in parallel, and surface and resolve process drift between programs before it becomes divergent practice. Run the pre-DV asset R&R model day to day — the handshake between Validation/Feature (intent), V&V (integration + governance), NPI/Supply (device delivery), RVT (functional build), and Special Projects (physical build) — and keep each accountability distinct and current. Track and drive closure on DRE responsibilities: surrogate or released part readiness, technical function/data content, early flagging of form-fit-function deviation, and transmittal data traceable to the correct end devices. Host and facilitate the pre-DV cross-functional reviews to negotiate production-intent, sourcing, and timing gaps before DVB. Maintain visibility into asset and device readiness against program milestones, and escalate maturity or timing mismatches to Vehicle Line and program leadership before they become launch risks. Support the fit-for-use decision: confirm intended validation is supported, the LabCar functions, and the physical build works, before FM3-demonstrable evidence is claimed. Build and maintain dashboards/metrics for asset governance status (RAG-style tracking across sourcing, delivery, negotiation, and governance), and provide clear, data-backed updates to senior stakeholders. Contribute to scaling this governance model as the team grows — turning working practice into repeatable process, templates, and RACI as headcount and program count increase.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field. Typically 5–8+ years of experience in automotive or complex electro-mechanical products, including significant experience in technical program management, systems engineering, or validation/test asset planning. Working knowledge of BOM/MPL structures, device or part transmittal processes, and how pre-production surrogate parts differ from production-intent parts. Demonstrated experience coordinating across engineering, program, NPI/supply chain, and build/test teams to resolve part, device, or asset delivery gaps under time pressure. Comfortable operating with ambiguity in a governance model that is still being defined — able to drive clarity on R&R without waiting for it to be handed down. Strong fluency with tools such as Jira, Confluence, and dashboarding tools to drive decisions, not just report status. Proven ability to influence across functions and levels, and to facilitate cross-functional alignment (e.g., a deviation/negotiation forum) without formal authority over every party in the room.
