--- title: 'Staff Electrical Test Engineer, Test and Validation at ALSO' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/staff-electrical-test-engineer-test-and-validation-also-palo-alto-yn9tbnkdh765' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Staff Electrical Test Engineer, Test and Validation at ALSO - **Company:** ALSO - **Location:** Palo Alto, CA - **Compensation:** $240k–$280k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-08-06 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/ridealso/0886d419-acba-4dc4-ad29-40783a4f3b79/application **Skills:** High-speed PCB design, HDI PCB layout, MCU selection, Signal integrity analysis, Power integrity analysis, EMI/EMC mitigation, CAN-FD, Automotive Ethernet, USB 3.x, MIPI, SPI, I²C, LIN, PCB simulation tools, EMI simulation tools, High-speed simulation tools, PDN design, Switch-mode power supply (SMPS) design, Oscilloscopes, Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) > The Senior Staff Electrical Engineer serves as the technical authority for a cross-functional team developing next-generation light electric vehicles. Responsibilities include architecting complex embedded systems, designing high-speed PCB layouts, and leading EMI/EMC mitigation strategies while mentoring junior eng... ## Job description About ALSO. We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10-50x more efficient. ALSO is looking for a Staff Electrical Test Engineer, Test and Validation to help us develop electronics systems for multiple micro-mobility platforms. ## What You'll Do - Play a key role within the EE Design and Validation teams by strategizing, developing, and executing comprehensive EE module validation plans to ensure high performance, quality, and product reliability - Translate electrical design requirements and schematics into detailed test strategies, verification matrices, and validation coverage plans - Specify, design, and build automated benchtop test setups and validation equipment for PCBAs, modules, and full system architectures - Design custom load boards, breakout fixtures, and measurement interfaces for repeatable, high-precision signal and power measurements, and select critical instruments and components for validation test benches - Perform hands-on electrical characterization, debug design anomalies, and execute root-cause analysis on early-stage prototypes and validation failures - Drive continuous optimization of validation test suites to improve test coverage, measurement accuracy, and execution efficiency - Author formal validation plans, design verification reports (DVRs), and standardized test execution procedures - Partner with hardware design engineers during early architectural stages to drive Design for Testability (DFT) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) - Work with cross-functional design teams, silicon vendors, and external test labs to align on validation criteria, test coverage, and industry standards - Implement automated data logging and statistical analysis to evaluate component margins, stress limits, and parameter drift across environmental conditions - Conduct failure analysis and issue root-cause corrective action (RCCA) reports for validation, qualification, or field-returned failures - Act as the primary technical contact for electrical validation status across design engineering and system integration teams, presenting validation progress, risk assessments, and test coverage metrics in program reviews and leadership meetings ## What You'll Bring - Proven track record (5+ years) of planning and executing robust EE module design verification (DVT) and validation programs from prototype stage to production release - Proven track record (5+ years) of characterizing complex electronic systems, with a strong passion for hardware debugging, technical innovation, and continuous learning - In-depth knowledge of analog, digital, power electronics (bonus if familiar with high-speed signals, and RF characterization method) - Hands-on expertise with high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, spectrum/vector network analyzers, power supplies, DAQs, and automated test instrumentation - Strong proficiency in test automation languages and frameworks (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, C/C++) for controlling instrumentation and automated data analysis - Experience with PCBA bring-up, schematic review, high-density rework/soldering, and board-level failure analysis - Deep familiarity with hardware reliability, environmental qualification, and stress testing (e.g., HALT, HASS, thermal cycling, ESD/EMC compliance) - Ability to collaborate effectively in fast-paced, cross-functional, and global engineering teams - Excellent technical writing, data presentation, and communication skills - Prior experience in automotive, consumer electronics, or aerospace industries is a strong plus The salary for this position ranges from $212,500 - $250,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and location. ## Perks & Benefits - Robust health coverage — excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by ALSO with FSA & HSA options - One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates - Rich fertility and family building benefits with Progyny - Flexible time off - 401(k) match Why ALSO. We’re passionate about helping the world find a better way to get there—wherever it is you’re headed. We’re located in the heart of Silicon Valley and have brought together a world-class team from some of the biggest brands in the technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation and retail spaces. Together we’re working hands-on to imagine, design and build an entirely new solution to a global set of transportation challenges. ## About ALSO ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: ALSO is an electric mobility company designing and building small, vertically integrated electric vehicles for moving people and goods, originally incubated within Rivian. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series C, Unicorn) - **Headquarters**: Palo Alto, California, United States - **Founded**: 2025 - **Founders**: Not publicly disclosed; the company was formed as a stealth team within Rivian before spinning out as an independent entity. ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Manufacturing / Electric Mobility - **Target customers**: B2C (urban consumers) and B2B (logistics, delivery, and transportation partners) - **Mission**: To build the world’s best small vehicles for moving people and goods, driven and autonomous, with a focus on sustainability and rethinking transportation from first principles. ## Products & Services Based on publicly available information, ALSO has not yet announced specific product names beyond the “TM” and “TM-” references on its website. The company is developing a vertically integrated technology platform that spans motors, batteries, electronics, and software. Its product lineup includes small EVs for both consumer and commercial use, with a flagship vehicle set to launch in early 2026. - **[Flagship Small EV (unnamed)]**: A vertically integrated, small electric vehicle for urban and commercial use. It combines in-house powertrain, battery, electronics, and autonomy software. Launch expected in early 2026, initially in the U.S. and Europe. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/pages/news) - **Commercial Platform**: ALSO works with logistics, delivery, and transportation partners to deliver custom solutions at scale. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/pages/company) ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: $1–2.5B (unicorn status) as of March 2026 (latest valuation per Dealroom). [dealroom.co](https://dealroom.co/companies/ridealso-com/) - **Total Funding**: $505M across four rounds. - Corporate Round (Feb 2025) – 1 investor - Series B (Mar 2025) – $105M led by Eclipse - Venture Round (Aug 2025) – $200M led by Greenoaks - Series C (Mar 2026) – $200M led by Greenoaks, with participation from other investors - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Eclipse Ventures, Greenoaks. ALSO works with commercial partners in logistics and transportation sectors. - **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 290.9% year-over-year to 205 employees (LinkedIn, as of mid-2026). The company is actively hiring 48 open positions across engineering, product, and operations. It operates in five countries (U.S., Taiwan, U.K., South Africa, China). Strong talent inflow from Rivian (56 employees), Tesla, Apple, and Cruise. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridealso) ## Competitive Advantages - **Vertically Integrated Technology**: In-house development of motors, batteries, electronics, and software enables a tightly optimized, high-performance EV platform. - **Rivian Pedigree**: Originally incubated within Rivian, benefiting from automotive rigor and advanced software/autonomy expertise. - **Focus on Small EVs**: Addresses a rapidly growing market segment where 80% of car trips are under 15 miles, with urban population projected to reach 7 billion by 2050. - **Strong Financial Backing**: $505M in funding from top-tier investors, providing ample runway for product launch and scaling. ## Strategic Focus - **Product Launch**: Introduce the flagship small EV in early 2026, first in the U.S. and Europe, then globally. - **Commercial Expansion**: Deepen partnerships with logistics, delivery, and transportation companies to scale custom vehicle solutions. - **Technology Platform**: Continue to advance in-house autonomy, sensing, and connectivity features to differentiate the user experience. - **Talent Growth**: Rapidly hiring across engineering, design, and operations to support product development and future scaling. ## Why Work Here - **Mission-Driven Culture**: Employees are described as “builders, technologists, designers, and dreamers” focused on creating sustainable, delightful mobility. - **High-Growth Environment**: Headcount has tripled year-over-year, offering early employees significant impact and career acceleration. - **Top-Tier Team**: Colleagues come from Rivian, Tesla, Apple, Cruise, and other elite companies, fostering a culture of craft and excellence. - **Technical Depth**: Opportunities to work on cutting-edge EV hardware, software, autonomy, and battery systems. Open roles include Senior Software Engineer (ML), Motor Controls Engineer, Battery Design Engineer, and Staff Reliability Engineer. - **Office Locations**: Hubs in Palo Alto (vehicle engineering, software, design), Seattle (customer experience & commerce), and Taichung, Taiwan (supply chain & logistics). The work policy is not explicitly stated but likely hybrid or office-first given the hardware focus. - **Perks**: Not publicly detailed, but as a well-funded unicorn, competitive compensation and equity packages are standard. ## Sources 1. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/pages/company) 2. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/pages/news) 3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridealso) 4. [dealroom.co](https://dealroom.co/companies/ridealso-com/) 5. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/) ## Other roles at ALSO - [Senior Cloud Backend Developer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cloud-backend-developer-also-palo-alto-rqdd3s262c1e) — Palo Alto, CA - [Market Coordinator, Los Angeles](https://feeny.ai/job/market-coordinator-los-angeles-also-los-angeles-7srwdcwcdee9) — Los Angeles, CA - [Sales Associate (Part-Time), Austin](https://feeny.ai/job/sales-associate-part-time-austin-also-austin-btn7aw2h5sr6) — Austin, TX - [Customer Support Representative](https://feeny.ai/job/customer-support-representative-also-seattle-03mg2r6kqxfb) — Seattle, WA - [Senior Staff Deployment Strategist, Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-staff-deployment-strategist-operations-also-palo-alto-zrx5d5w20zcb) — Palo Alto, CA - [EU Associate E-Commerce Merchandiser](https://feeny.ai/job/eu-associate-e-commerce-merchandiser-also-deinze-z46rcbz2wznp) — Deinze, Belgium - [Controls Engineer, Battery and BMS](https://feeny.ai/job/controls-engineer-battery-and-bms-also-palo-alto-93xnk2377vs7) — Palo Alto, CA - [Staff Firmware Engineer, Platform Security](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-firmware-engineer-platform-security-also-palo-alto-xjxeznamqh0z) — Palo Alto, CA - [Staff Security Engineer, Cloud](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-security-engineer-cloud-also-palo-alto-pzsb7vtp8ax5) — Palo Alto, CA - [Wire Harness Design Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/wire-harness-design-engineer-also-palo-alto-4rnzsx0syfrj) — Palo Alto, CA