Prototype EDS Engineer - System Prototypes

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 At Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, we are building the future of electric vehicles, and our System Prototypes team is at the forefront of this innovation. We are seeking a highly proactive and detail-oriented Prototype Engineer who thrives in dynamic, ambiguous environments and is passionate about solving complex, real-world engineering challenges. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and functional reality, shaping the next generation of our EV systems. You will collaborate closely with our Development and Validation teams, leading the design and commissioning of electrically representative system prototypes. Your work will directly support our aggressive program development goals, ensuring the seamless integration and rigorous validation of early prototype ECUs and their end-devices. This is a highly centralized and impactful role where you will champion cross-functional collaboration, driving solutions and ensuring technical readiness for critical program milestones. RESPONSIBILITIES - Schematics Ownership: Own and drive data and release Ingest strategy from partners, including Schematics, BOMs, and associated updates. Index releases to associated build phases and quantify design risk for prototype assets. - Harness Design Collaboration: Coordinate with the current Design team on improvements to harness design processes in a way that prioritizes speed to enable early development, and accounts for reworks due to early data release. - Collaborate & Influence: Act as a central hub for EDS related knowledge, collaborate across all development teams to provide information needed for their designs or diagnostics. You'll leverage existing knowledge while proposing innovative short-term and long-term design solutions as needed. - Drive System Prototyping: Support the end-to-end design and build completion of next-generation prototype assets, focusing on the integration of early prototype ECUs and end-devices to enable robust system-level hardware and software validation. Your design scope will include system design, harness design, light mechanical structure design, and integration. - Strategic Alignment: Perform thorough technical vetting of asset needs, aligning them with vehicle milestones across all programs, and proactively collaborating with development teams to prepare for and validate upcoming features. QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor of Science in a relevant Engineering field (including EE, ME, Automotive, Aerospace, Robotics, etc).. - 1 year of hands-on experience designing low voltage electrical distribution systems for automotive applications. - Experience in reading technical drawings, electrical schematics, and system diagrams. - Familiarity with prototype manufacturing techniques and their practical application is a plus. - Experience with basic mechanical design and CAD is preferred. - Adept in interpreting technical information, and creating clear engineering documentation - Ability to thrive under pressure, applying creative and critical thinking to deliver exceptional results in a fast-paced environment. - A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills, capable of conveying both detailed technical explanations and high-level status updates effectively. 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 information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citiz