Staff Design Engineer, Powertrain Drive Unit Architect

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. 

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 

In this position, you will be part of the Powertrain Drive Unit team, and you will lead the establishment of advanced DU drive unit design concepts for future programs. You will participate in cross functional team technical integration meetings; and you will lead new program DU design concepts from layout to 3D assembly math.

You will lead design concept maturity development in 3D math, in order to collaborate cross-functionally and to freeze design concepts at the Concept Design Exit Phase of the Rivian development cycle. The Maturity level at CDE is proof of drive unit design concept feasibility, and ok to proceed to Detailed Design Phase.

For this position, the candidate will bring a strong principle based engineering skillset in powertrain driveline power transmission systems; and they will also be required to be proficient in CATIA (V6 preferred) and capable of developing design concepts and maturity in 3D CAD.

It is required that the candidate possess a strong skillset in 2D stack up analysis and 3D CAD based tolerance stack analysis skillset is desired. If the candidate does not possess this 3D stack up skillset, we are seeking a candidate that would like to pursue this skillset thru formal training and project execution.

This position will be located at our Plymouth, MI facility and reports directly to a Technical Manager.

● Lead drive unit concept maturity from layout to 3D math with focus on developing concept design maturity to evidence based proof of concept feasibility phase and CDE exit.
● Lead creation of Parametric 3D mechanical design of component parts, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies for Rivian Drive Units, and advance projects in CATIA. 3D math quality up to CDE is not critical up to CDE, as this is conceptual phase for design maturity development.
● Lead/execute 3D DU and Vehicle Level packaging studies of design concepts considering package envelope, system performance and manufacturing feasibility.
● Lead Pugh Matrix based trade off studies for DU System Architectural Cross- Functional Decision Points, as required.

● Collaborate directly with DRE’s and with cross functional teams such as CAE, EE, manufacturing engineering, vehicle packaging, and systems engineering.
● Support and participate in Design Reviews DU subsystem and system level cross functional buyoff.
● Perform part and assembly 2D/3D tolerance stack analysis and provide feedback to product and/or manufacturing engineering teams.

● In depth understanding of EV propulsion system components/subsystems
● Minimum 5 years of experience using CATIA (V6 preferred)
● Experience using ENOVIA Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system or equivalent.
● DFM knowledge relative to Machined Die Castings, Plastic Injection / Molded Parts, Gears/Bearings, Bolted Joints, etc.
● Able to apply DFA for manufacturing of power electronics and vehicle integration.
● Strong knowledge of GD&T and its application to part manufacturing and assembly tolerancing.
● Proficient with Microsoft office apps (Excel, PowerPoint, Excel) or Google Productivity apps (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides) which is preferred.
● Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and a quick learner who is able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications (Preferred): ● Expertise in 3D tolerance stack analysis, 3DCS preferred. ●   Expertise with FEA analysis tools, and other CAE tools that can be used for early
concept development.

Salary Range Michigan-Based Applicants: $125,800-$157,200 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).

Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. 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.

Rivian 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  View email address on ev.careers .

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian 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 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 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 affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, 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 note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.