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 We are seeking a highly motivated and technically adept CapEx Program Manager to drive the strategic planning, procurement, and deployment of critical physical test equipment and lab infrastructure that underpins the development and mass production of our groundbreaking Electronic Control Units [ECUs]. In this pivotal role, you will be the central orchestrator for capital expenditure related to our advanced engineering and manufacturing test capabilities, directly impacting our ability to innovate and scale. You will partner closely with Test Automation Engineering, software, hardware, operations, finance, and Rivian and Volkswagen Group partners to ensure that our equipment meets program demands and technical requirements, and is also strategically positioned for future innovation and rapid scaling. Your ability to anticipate needs, standardize solutions, and drive efficient asset utilization will be key to enabling our rapid development cycles and delivering vehicles that delight our customers. Furthermore, your experience with CapEx supply chain management and strategic sourcing will enable strong partnership with our Procurement and Engineering teams on identifying cost saving and avoidance opportunities. Responsibilities CapEx Planning & Execution: Partner directly with RVT Test Automation Engineering, Design Engineering, and Product Launch teams to define and align on physical equipment requirements for both R&D and critical mass production test requirements. Equipment Program Leadership: Lead the end-to-end program management for high-value capital test equipment, from initial kick-off planning and vendor selection to seamless execution, deployment, and ongoing sustaining activities. This includes meticulous scheduling, complex vendor engagement, and coordinated on-site deployment with our contract manufacturing partners. Proactively identify, assess, and manage potential risks related to equipment availability, performance, and budget, developing and executing comprehensive mitigation plans to ensure program continuity in a high-growth environment. Financial Stewardship & Forecasting: Own the detailed budget scoping, tracking, and strategic forecasting for all R&D and Manufacturing Capital Equipment. Drive efficient capital allocation, conduct comprehensive ROI analyses, and ensure strict adherence to financial plans for a rapidly scaling enterprise. Cross-Functional & Cross-Company Partnership: Work seamlessly and build strong relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders across both Rivian and Volkswagen Group entities: Standardization & Efficiency: Champion and drive critical initiatives for lab and manufacturing test equipment standardization across various engineering and production facilities, optimizing for cost-efficiency, scalability, and global consistency within the joint venture. Manufacturing Test Equipment Forecasting: Collaborate intensely with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) teams to accurately forecast Contract Manufacturer (CM) Tester quantities required for current and future mass production vehicle programs. Process Excellence & Innovation: Continuously seek and implement opportunities to improve capital equipment planning, procurement, deployment, and management processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and adaptability for future vehicle generations. Comprehensive Asset Management & Optimization: Develop and maintain a comprehensive, integrated view of all Capital Equipment (specifically focusing on test hardware assets) across our engineering and manufacturing ecosystem. Drive strategic initiatives for robust tester utilization, retrofit, and reuse, maximizing asset value and minimizing waste. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a technical, supply chain, or a closely related technical field. 7+ years of progressive experience in Capital Equipment Program Management, Engineering Program Management, or a similar role focused on large-scale hardware infrastructure deployment, preferably within a high-volume electronics manufacturing or complex automotive product development environment. Proven ability to strategically manage and track complex CapEx budgets, including detailed forecasting, variance analysis, and driving strong financial ROI for significant investments. Demonstrable experience with test equipment, lab infrastructure, or advanced manufacturing automation equipment. Strong track record of successfully leading cross-functional projects and driving consensus among diverse teams (Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance) to achieve aggressive program goals. Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical and financial information to diverse audiences, including executive leadership across joint venture partners. Superior organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent, high-priority projects in a dynamic environment. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and rapidly scaling environment, demonstrating strong initiative, independent problem-solving, and a results-oriented approach. Proficiency in project management tools and strong data analysis skills. Preferred Qualifications: Direct experience within the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, especially with battery, powertrain, or vehicle-level test infrastructure. Familiarity with capital equipment asset lifecycle management, including repair, maintenance, and end-of-life processes, with a focus on sustainability. Working knowledge of global supply chain management principles related to complex equipment procurement. Pay Disclosure Salary Range for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants: $167,400.00 - $209,300.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Salary Range for Irvine, California Based Applicants: $154,000.00 - $192,500.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment. 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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. 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 that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.