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 The Senior RF Test Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end validation of RF designs across a diverse wireless ecosystem, including 5G/Cellular, Wi-Fi, BT, UWB, and V2X. You will bridge the gap between hardware design and final product deployment by developing scalable automation frameworks, defining rigorous test methodologies, and ensuring global regulatory compliance. The opening will be located at the Palo Alto office location and reports directly to an Engineering Manager within the Hardware organization. This role is expected to work in the office 5 days per week. Responsibilities Define & Execute: Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures to validate RF performance against industry standards and internal requirements. Automation Frameworks: Build and maintain scalable test automation routines in Python for equipment control, data acquisition, and automated post-processing. Technology Evaluation: Characterize and evaluate next-generation chipsets, providing data-driven recommendations and competitive benchmarking. Global Homologation: Support regional certification (FCC, EU, etc.) for radio-centric ECUs to ensure seamless global market entry. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware and software teams to translate complex RF requirements into actionable measurement strategies. Qualifications Core Education: BS in Electrical Engineering or RF Communications with 5+ years of experience (or MS with 3+ years). Protocol Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of wireless standards from the PHY layer up to the MAC layer, including Cellular (4G/5G), Wi-Fi (802.11a/g/n/ac/ax), and Bluetooth (BDR/EDR/BLE). Automation Experience: Must have developed post processing framework for analyzing measurements using Advanced Python scripting skills. Prior experience with automation of instrument control via SCPI. RF Fundamentals: Solid grasp of link budgets, cascaded device analysis, and root cause analysis for RF test setup failures. Advanced Instrumentation: Hands-on proficiency in operating and automating: Wideband Radio Communication Testers (e.g., Rohde & Schwarz CMW500) Spectrum Analyzers / Signal Analyzers. Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) for S-parameter measurements and Smith Chart analysis Soft Skills: Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to isolate issues within complex systems, distinguishing between hardware defects, software bugs, and test setup artifacts. Technical Communication: Capable of distilling complex RF data into clear, actionable insights for non-RF stakeholders. Adaptability: A proactive learner who can pivot between different wireless technologies and rapidly changing project priorities. Good-to-Have (Bonus) Qualifications: Specialized Tech: Experience with UWB (802.15.4z), V2X, and GNSS integration and testing. Certification know-how: Prior experience with US Carrier Certification (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) and global regulatory standards (FCC/RED). Why You’ll Succeed You thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments where technology is constantly evolving. You aren't just looking to "run tests"—you are looking to build the systems that make testing smarter, faster, and more reliable. Pay Disclosure Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants: $132,100 to $175,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Total Rewards Total compensation packages for this position include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity. In addition, our benefits package has been designed to support the health and wellness of our employees. Benefit offerings include Flex Time Off, retirement savings plans as well as medical, vision and dental coverage. For more information on RV Tech’s comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site. External candidates can apply for this role through the RV Tech Careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board (https://internal-careers-rivian.icims.com/). 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 citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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 Rivian and VW Group Technologies (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, 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. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information. Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.