Qualifications
Key ResponsibilitiesEnsure functional safety in the design, development, and validation of body and thermal features, emphasizing electrical and electronic system integrity throughout the vehicle development lifecycle. Provide functional safety guidance on feature requirements, identifying hazards from electrical malfunctions and software/hardware interactions. Conduct vehicle-level HARA to establish safety goals; perform DFMEA, FTA, and FMEDA; develop safety requirements using the company’s requirements management toolchain. Create safety mechanisms like redundancy architectures, hardware diagnostics, and system health monitors, leveraging hands-on knowledge of electronic circuits to validate safety-critical systems, including sensor signal chains and actuator diagnostics. Design and execute test cases to verify and validate safety mechanisms on LabCar and Vehicle test assets, incorporating Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) environments, and provide comprehensive data analysis and reporting. Represent the functional safety team across cross-functional initiatives, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
About the job
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, a joint venture, brings together deep experience in operating systems, zonal controllers, and cloud connectivity to tackle the evolving needs of electric vehicles. The partnership aims to set new benchmarks for software-defined vehicles, focusing on advanced connectivity, artificial intelligence, and security to help shape a more connected and sustainable future.
Role overview
This Functional Safety Engineer position centers on the vehicle's body and thermal systems, such as climate control, lighting, and related electrical features. The role involves making sure these systems meet strict safety standards at every stage, from initial requirements through final validation.
Key responsibilities
- Lead safety analyses for body and thermal systems, including Hazard and Risk Assessments (HARA), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Technical Safety Concepts (TSC).
- Design safety mechanisms, such as redundancy architectures and hardware diagnostics, to prevent electrical or software failures that could affect vehicle safety.
- Work closely with Controls, Diagnostics, and Electrical Systems teams to coordinate safety activities and requirements.
- Support all phases of the safety lifecycle, from defining requirements to validating final systems.
Location
This role is based in Irvine, California.
About Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is at the forefront of automotive innovation, focusing on electric vehicle technology and sustainable automotive solutions. Our commitment to excellence in software-defined vehicles sets us apart in the industry.