Sr. Field Service Technician - Costa Mesa, CA at Rivian · Costa Mesa

Role Summary

This position is tailored for an experienced, high-level Senior Field Service Technician who will serve as a technical expert and leader in supporting complex vehicle repairs and field operations. The role requires an adaptable, team-oriented leader capable of driving continuous improvement, mentoring junior team members, and tackling complex diagnostic challenges in a fast-paced environment. While based primarily at a service center, this role may involve operating remotely, traveling to remote locations, or working at production plants to provide advanced field support as business needs demand. Candidates will be evaluated against a comprehensive spectrum of advanced technical skills and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Diagnostics & Complex Repairs: Perform bumper-to-bumper diagnostics, complex repairs, installations, and inspections on vehicles both inside service centers and in field settings (customer sites, mobile routes, or remote locations).
• Technical Support & Remote Troubleshooting: Provide high-level diagnostic guidance to field service teams and perform remote diagnostics or repairs for issues that can be safely addressed without local vehicle access by evaluating logged vehicle data and technical schematics.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Coach, mentor, and train junior technicians and internal partners; foster cross-functional collaboration and lead shop-floor technical problem-solving.
• Advanced Tools & Methodologies: Utilize specialized diagnostic tools (e.g., PICO-Scope, PCAN, Kavaser Memorator, breakout boxes) to resolve complex electrical, high-voltage, and network faults.
• Quality & Process Standardization: Conduct thorough road tests to verify repair quality, champion continuous improvement processes, and drive high standards across repair workflows.
• Parts Operations & Systems: Oversee complex parts operations—including ordering, receiving, inventory management, and billing—to ensure quality and operational efficiency. Documentation & Technical Feedback: Produce high-quality documentation in service support and engineering systems; provide root-cause analysis and actionable feedback to field service engineers and leadership.
• Customer & Cross-Functional Engagement: Interact professionally with customers, suppliers, and internal teams during escalation resolutions or mobile outreach events.

Qualifications

General & Operational Requirements:

• High School Diploma, GED, or recognized equivalency credential preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited automotive repair school or vocational program preferred.
• Minimum age of 21 years old.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record (no suspensions or revocations within the past 3–5 years).
• Ability to drive a non-commercial truck and trailer preferred.
• Availability for a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends, holidays, early morning, evening, or overnight shifts as required.
• Ability to travel to regional locations or production plants as needed.
• Proficient in Windows/Mac environments, work order management systems, and specialized engineering/diagnostic documentation systems.
• Physical capability to perform occupational tasks (sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 lbs).
• State mechanic certifications where required by jurisdiction (e.g., Michigan certifications in front end, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical, and HVAC).

Experience & Leadership:

• 5 to 8+ years of automotive repair experience preferred, with extensive experience in bumper-to-bumper diagnostics.
• 3 to 8+ years of hands-on experience working on vehicle High Voltage (HV) systems and HV diagnostic work.
• Experience in leadership or supervisory roles (e.g., Shop Foreman, Team Lead, or Technical Mentor) preferred.
• Demonstrated background in continuous improvement, process standardization, and escalation management.

Spectrum of Advanced Technical Skills:

• High Voltage (HV) & Power Electronics: Deep understanding of high-voltage architecture, High-Voltage Interlock Loops (HVIL), charging isolation, and safety power-down protocols using appropriate PPE. Capable of diagnosing complex HV faults and isolation issues.
• Low Voltage & Network Electronics: Advanced knowledge of automotive electronics, CAN and LIN bus network communication, reading/leveraging electrical schematics, and performing precise wiring harness repairs.
• Chassis, Drivability & Dynamic Systems: Mastery in chassis service (alignments, braking systems) and advanced diagnosis of vehicle dynamics (ABS, traction control, power steering, and Noise, Vibration, and Harshness / NVH concerns).
• Thermal & HVAC Systems: Comprehensive knowledge of HVAC systems, coolant drain/fill operations, A/C machine usage, 609 refrigerant certification, and diagnosing complex thermal management issues.
• ADAS & Body/Glass Integration: Proficiency in calibrating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and replacing/adjusting sensors, body panels, and glass to precise manufacturer tolerances.

Pay Disclosure

The hourly range for this role is $33.29 - $62.96/hr for Southern California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com. You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). There is no fixed deadline for this application; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled or the opening is no longer needed.