Sr. Program Manager, Vehicle Validation at Rivian - Irvine, CA

Role Overview

Rivian is revolutionizing the automotive industry with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles designed for the outdoors. As a Sr. Program Manager, Vehicle Validation in Irvine, California, you'll lead the charge in ensuring every Rivian vehicle delivers exceptional function, quality, reliability, and real-world performance. This role sits at the heart of Vehicle Validation, where you'll connect DFMEAs, requirements, and validation plans into a seamless process.

Your mission? Lead cross-functional integration across engineering, test, prototyping, and manufacturing teams. From concept to launch, you'll align test plans, targets, build milestones, and system functionality. Develop comprehensive hardware and software validation plans, track progress, and ensure 100% verification and validation coverage. At Rivian, we challenge the status quo—reframing problems and operating in uncharted territory to deliver vehicles that exceed customer expectations.

Join a team of curious, courageous innovators passionate about protecting the planet. If you thrive in dynamic environments and love solving complex challenges, this automotive program management career at Rivian is your next adventure.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As Sr. Program Manager, Vehicle Validation, you'll drive high-impact outcomes:

• Coordinate validation timelines, build plans, and program milestones in partnership with engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Support the full validation cycle—from requirements through production sign-off—for component and vehicle-level testing.
• Integrate plans across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to ensure alignment and readiness.
• Identify gaps and risks early, manage escalations, and collaborate with stakeholders for swift resolution.
• Provide clear updates on progress, risks, and mitigation plans to senior leadership.
• Develop and track comprehensive hardware and software validation plans for complete coverage.
• Foster cross-program collaboration, aligning resources while balancing cost, risk, timing, and scope.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of validation processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Enable high-quality outcomes by closing gaps and creating clarity for teams delivering exceptional products.
• Lead vehicle validation efforts reflecting real-world customer usage and data-driven requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

Rivian seeks proven leaders ready to tackle automotive innovation:

• 5+ years in automotive or related industries, with 3+ years in program management or cross-functional roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent blend of education, training, and hands-on experience.
• Strong understanding of vehicle development milestones, systems engineering, and program delivery.
• Familiarity with production, retrofit, and prototype build processes in high-volume manufacturing.
• Proven cross-team collaboration, effective communication, and track record of high-quality deliverables.
• Passion for problem-solving, continuous learning, and customer-focused innovation.

Experience with DFMEAs, requirements traceability, and validation planning is a plus. Rivian values diverse backgrounds united by a love for adventure and sustainability.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $121,500 - $151,900 USD yearly for California-based applicants (determined by experience, location, and factors permitted by law).

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical/Rx, dental, vision—effective day one.
• Rivian pays most premiums for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and children up to 26.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to accessibility and fair practices.
• Mission-aligned perks: Work on groundbreaking EVs while enjoying a collaborative, innovative culture.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building vehicles—we're keeping the world adventurous. Our Electric Adventure Vehicles combine cutting-edge tech with rugged capability, all emissions-free. As part of our Vehicle Validation team, you'll:

• Impact real-world performance: Ensure vehicles withstand adventures customers demand.
• Collaborate with top talent: Diverse teams challenging what's possible.
• Grow your career: Continuous learning in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Protect the outdoors: Contribute to sustainability for future generations.

Based in vibrant Irvine, CA, enjoy Southern California's sunshine while advancing automotive excellence. Rivian complies with all fair employment laws, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

How to Apply

Ready to validate the future of adventure? Apply now for the Sr. Program Manager, Vehicle Validation role at Rivian in Irvine, CA. Submit your resume and join a team redefining mobility. For accommodations, email candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Don't miss this chance—positions fill fast!

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