Sr. Test Automation Engineer - Functional Safety

About this role

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

This role is at the center of proving that every safety mechanism across every RVT vehicle program works as intended - by building and scaling the in-house automated test capability that generates that evidence. You'll design and maintain automated test frameworks for fault injection testing across LabCar, vehicle, and HIL setups, work directly with FuSa engineers across all domains to understand safety mechanism intent and ASIL targets, and build the automated reporting pipelines that make requirement-level test coverage and traceability visible and actionable. Working cross-functionally with integration engineering and program management, you'll align test execution against software release schedules and continuously push automation coverage and efficiency to keep pace with a fast release cadence across multiple programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts for verification and validation of functional safety mechanisms at the system integration level.

- Implement fault injection test strategies on LabCar, vehicle, and integrated HIL setups to provide end-to-end evidence that safety mechanisms operate as intended.

- Support automated testing for steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems on DynoHIL test environments.

- Collaborate with functional safety engineers across multiple domains (Dynamics, Body, Thermal, Energy, ADAS, Core) to understand safety mechanism intent, ASIL classifications, and safety metric targets.

- Build and maintain automated reporting pipelines that demonstrate requirement-level test coverage and traceability for safety mechanisms.

- Continuously improve test automation coverage and execution efficiency to support a fast software release cadence across multiple programs.

- Perform data analysis on test results, identify anomalies, and provide technical recommendations to functional safety engineering teams.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams — including SW FuSa, HW FuSa, systems engineering, SW development, and program management — to align test schedules against software releases and program milestones.

- Contribute to the definition of integration test strategies and toolchain selection as the in-house test automation capability scales.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Degree in Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, Software, or Computer Engineering (or similar).

- Over 5 years of experience in the automotive industry (or equivalent), ideally at an OEM or Tier 1, with at least 2 years focused on test automation or automated V&V activities.

- Strong hands-on experience developing automated test scripts and frameworks in HIL, LabCar, or vehicle test environments.

- Proficient in scripting/programming languages commonly used in test automation (e.g. Python, CAPL, or similar).

- Highly proficient with Vector tools (CANoe, CANalyzer, vTESTstudio) and diagnostic tools; experience with CAN/LIN bus protocols and fault injection techniques.

- Familiarity with CI/CD concepts as applied to automotive test execution and reporting.

- Good understanding of vehicle system functionality across multiple domains (dynamics, body, thermal, energy, ADAS).

- Exposure to ISO 26262 and experience applying it within an OEM or Tier 1, particularly around verification and validation evidence for safety mechanisms.

- Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work within cross-functional teams and report status and findings clearly to senior management.

- Experience with test management and requirements traceability tools (e.g. Jira, Confluence, DOORS, or similar) preferred.

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 designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs https://rvtech.mybenefits.life/.

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board https://app.ashbyhq.com/internal/job-board/b10a9912-eb45-4a84-9a34-84b2a459923a.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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…