Vehicle Test & Validation Engineering Lead

About Range Energy

Range Energy builds powered trailers that help electrify heavy-duty trucking without requiring fleets to replace their tractors. We solve real-world problems with real hardware.

We move fast, take ownership, and hold a high bar for execution. We value people who are low ego and team-first, calm under pressure, direct and respectful communicators, willing to roll up their sleeves, and focused on solutions, not drama.

We operate with high integrity. We do what we say we’ll do, we’re transparent about risks and tradeoffs, and we build trust through consistent follow-through.

The work is hands-on. Sometimes messy. Often fast. Always meaningful.

Founded in 2021, Range is led by experienced EV operators from Tesla, Zoox, Honda, and other leading OEMs. We are backed by strong investors and focused on building hardware that fleets will actually use.

If you like building real things, solving hard problems, and working with low drama, high output teammates, you will fit here.

Role Summary

We are looking for a Vehicle Test & Validation Engineering Lead to own the end-to-end validation of our electric vehicle systems — from battery and powertrain bench testing through full vehicle-level sign-off. This is a high-impact individual contributor role that is equally hands-on and strategic: you will personally execute critical tests in the lab while also architecting the test plans, processes, and frameworks that the broader team relies on.

You will work cross-functionally with systems, software, hardware, and safety engineering teams to ensure our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and functional safety.

• Own full vehicle-level test plans, DVP&Rs, and validation strategies; review and approve supplier validation plans to confirm they meet program requirements, reliability goals, and functional safety standards
• Translate system requirements, FMEAs, and safety goals into structured, traceable test cases, and drive alignment on exit/release criteria across engineering and program management
• Set up and operate hardware test benches, execute HIL/SIL and physical testing, and develop automated test scripts to improve throughput and repeatability
• Validate embedded software and firmware functionality, calibration, and fault handling in collaboration with controls and software teams
• Apply ISO 26262 principles throughout the validation lifecycle and ensure test documentation supports functional safety requirements, internal reviews, and third-party audits
• Coordinate test lab selection and scheduling, ensuring fixturing readiness, equipment availability, and efficient resource utilization to meet program milestones
• Communicate test status and findings to stakeholders, maintain thorough traceability records, and mentor junior engineers on validation best practices

• 5 years of experience in test and validation engineering in the automotive or EV industry
• Hands-on experience testing HV battery systems, BMS, or powertrain/inverter systems
• Proficiency in developing DVP&Rs and FMEA-driven test strategies
• Working knowledge of ISO 26262 and functional safety concepts
• Experience with HIL/SIL test environments and data acquisition systems (CANalyzer, PCAN, INCA, or similar)
• Strong fault analysis and root-cause investigation skills
• Proficiency in Python (preferred), MATLAB, or equivalent scripting for test automation

• Experience with full vehicle-level system integration testing
• Familiarity with J1939 and related heavy-duty vehicle communication protocols 
• Exposure to ASPICE processes or equivalent quality frameworks
• Background in both software and hardware validation

Range Energy’s compensation package includes a competitive salary, equity for all full-time roles, and a generous benefits package. The salary range for Mountain View, CA based applicants is between $160,000 - $220,000 annually. The total compensation will be determined based on multiple factors including domain knowledge, experience and location.

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Range Energy participates in E-Verify in the United States. Range Energy will provide the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Salary : $160,000 - $220,000