Staff Engineer, Powertrain Reliability
Lucid Motors· Automotive / Electric Vehicles· Sep 9, 2026 · 2mo ago
Newark, CA
In office
Full-time
Staff
$167K–$235K est.
8+ years exp
Job description
About Lucid
At Lucid, we are creating exceptional mobility experiences through innovation to drive the world forward. Built on Lucid’s proprietary technology and software-defined vehicle architecture, our award-winning vehicles bring our “Compromise Nothing™” approach to the global automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their segments, combining exceptional range, performance, design, and expansive space in a single experience.
We achieve this through deep vertical integration, with design, engineering, and production happening in-house across our global offices and manufacturing facilities. Our teams come from industries around the world, united by a shared commitment to excellence. By refusing to settle, you can help redefine what’s possible and shape the future of mobility.
Lucid Motors is seeking a Staff Engineer – Reliability & Test Methods to provide technical leadership and system‑level ownership for reliability engineering of motor gearboxes, inverters and drive units. This role is critical to ensuring durability, functional safety, and field reliability across current production and future vehicle programs.
At the Staff level, this position goes beyond execution and is responsible for defining reliability strategy, governing test methodologies, influencing design decisions, and driving alignment across engineering, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, and program leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Reliability Strategy & Technical Leadership
Own and define the reliability strategy for drive unit systems across development, validation, production, and field.
Establish and govern test methods, mission profiles, damage models, and reliability metrics aligned with real‑world duty cycles.
Serve as a technical authority for Drive Unit reliability, failure mechanisms, and durability performance.
Test Methods & Validation
Develop, standardize, and continuously improve test methodologies for mechanical, thermal, environmental, and endurance validation.
Ensure test coverage is sufficient to demonstrate reliability targets for DV/PV, SOP, and sustained production.
Guide accelerated life testing, power cycling, and system‑level durability assessments.
Data Analysis & Failure Investigation
Lead analysis of test, field, and warranty data to identify trends, failure modes, and systemic risks.
Drive root cause investigations for critical field issues and QUALs, including support for Product Working Safety Group and functional safety reviews.
Apply advanced reliability techniques such as FMEA, Weibull/statistical analysis, and physics‑of‑failure methods.
Cross‑Functional & Supplier Engagement
Partner closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Suppliers to influence robust design and validation decisions.
Provide reliability guidance during DFMEA, DRs, and change control processes.
Engage suppliers and external test labs to align on assumptions, inputs, and validation approaches.
Governance, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement
Represent reliability in Reliability Council, drive unit governance forums, and technical reviews.
Mentor senior and junior engineers; elevate reliability capability across the organization.
Drive continuous improvement of reliability processes, test efficiency, and knowledge reuse.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in reliability engineering, test methods, or durability validation for electromechanical systems.
Deep understanding of Drive Unit sub systems, Motors, Inverter, Power Electronics and Gearboxes
Proven experience defining and executing reliability test strategies at the system level.
Strong analytical skills with experience in FMEA, Weibull analysis, ALT, and field data correlation.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional technical initiatives and influence without authority.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical topics to varied audiences.
Preferred
Experience in electric vehicle powertrains , drive units, or high‑performance automotive systems.
Familiarity with automotive reliability standards, validation practices, and functional safety interfaces
At Lucid, we don’t just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.
Salary Range : The compensation range for this position is specific to the locations listed below and is the range Lucid reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; and other relevant business and organizational factors.
Base Pay Range (Annual) $166,500 — $244,200 USD
Compensation & Benefits: Lucid offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; paid time off; paid holidays, paid sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan. Hourly/non-exempt employees accrue up to 120 hours paid time off, and salaried/exempt employee accrue up to 160 hours paid time off. Eligible employees may also participate in Lucid’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual cash incentive program. Incentive and equity awards, if applicable, are determined based on individual performance, role scope, market considerations, and overall company results, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Equal Opportunity: At Lucid, we believe diversity strengthens everything we build. Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws and regulations.
Accessibility: Lucid Motors is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need any accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at TA-Operations lucidmotors.com . This email address is designated solely for accommodation requests and is not monitored for job applications or resume submissions. To be considered for employment, all applications must be submitted through the Lucid Motors Careers website.
Candidate Data Privacy: By submitting your application, you understand and agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice .
To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to Lucid Motors. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off