Engineering Technician, Prototypes at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies in Irvine, CA

Job description

About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Electrical Engineering Technician who thrives in ambiguous and detail oriented situations which demand innovative problem solving techniques. In this role, you will support the build and installation of wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and rack hardware for test labs across multiple programs, ensuring their timely delivery to support program development goals. You will be a strong advocate for ensuring documentation for builds are corrected and clear, paving the way for downstream batch builds. This is a highly centralized role within the organization, you will be a strong advocate and example of collaboration across development teams within and outside of the organization while solving challenges. Responsibilities • Build prototype and small-batch harnesses and cable assemblies from drawings and wire lists, with components kitted and verified against the BOM. • Crimp, strip, and solder to IPC standards and hold yourself accountable to the highest quality assurance targets. • Install rack infrastructure to layout drawings, from shelves and chassis through power distribution, copper and fiber patching, airflow management, and remote management bring-up. • Participate in design reviews to flag drawing-to-build discrepancies and provide input on build optimizations • Work shoulder-to-shoulder with engineers and lab techs on safety checks, software load, system-level functional checks, and hands-on debug and repair of live test assets. • Collaborate with all relevant Engineers and Technicians to problem solve challenges as a team, with optimism and grit to reach the best end goal. Qualifications • Technical/ vocational certificate in vehicle systems or related field preferred • 2+ years of automotive, aerospace, or industrial harness assembly build experience to IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 2 or an equivalent experience building and troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems in early development stages. • 2+ years of light fabrication: drilling, cutting sheet metal, etc. • Methodical planning and build hygiene : kitting and verifying against a bill of materials, and Tracking deviations from drawings. • Strong electrical system troubleshooting skillset required • Experience closely collaborating with engineering teams preferred • Familiarity with prototype manufacturing techniques and their application is preferred • Experience with basic mechanical design and CAD preferred • Ability to thrive under pressure and apply creative and critical thinking to deliver exceptional results • Good team player with excellent communication Total Rewards We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program. Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements. In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package design