Sr. Lead, Project Management, Production Facilities

Senior Lead Project & Design Manager

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.

The Project Management and Facilities Production Design team acts as the strategic integrator and execution engine for Rivian's global portfolio of production facilities. Heavily anchored in advanced project management processes, we are a diverse, cross-functional group of Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, and Building Specialists who drive projects from preconstruction through design, procurement, execution, and closeout. We are dedicated to rigorous financial stewardship, comprehensive risk mitigation, and strict project controls to ensure that schedule, budget, and operational metrics are consistently met. By effectively stewarding Rivian's CAPEX investments, our team challenges the status quo to deliver innovative, cost-efficient solutions and build world-class facilities that enable Rivian to scale profitably without compromising product quality or executional safety.

We are seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented leader to actively guide projects from preconstruction through design, engineering, procurement, execution, and closeout. The Senior Lead Project & Design Manager will serve as the primary point-of-contact for external design partners (Architects and Engineers of Record) while simultaneously ensuring schedule, budget, and operational metrics compliance. You will steward Rivian's CAPEX investmentsoverseeing an estimated annual portfolio execution of $100-$500 millionto bolster BOM profitability without compromising product quality or executional safety.

Responsibilities

• Design & Programming Leadership: Act as the main liaison between Rivian and external design partners to ensure alignment on project requirements and deliverables. Serve as the programming lead for internal cross-functional teams (Facilities, Logistics, ET, Security, Manufacturing Engineering) to translate end-user needs into effective space programs and blocking diagrams.
• Engineering Oversight: Ensure all engineering disciplines (structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and life safety) are thoroughly coordinated, right-sized for business needs, and function harmoniously during commissioning. Partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure building systems properly support each shop's equipment and future flexibility.
• Financial & Legal Stewardship: Understand and manage P&L statements, COGS, BOM costs, and AIA billing forms. Take responsibility for financial decisions up to $300,000 per the Delegation of Authority (DOA) and prepare justifications for requests above the DOA. Evaluate, modify, and enforce the terms of vendor and lender contracts to protect Rivian's interests.
• Project Controls & Risk Management: Collaborate with the Risk Management team by identifying, managing and mitigating risks while also realizing opportunities from concept through commissioning. Utilize expert knowledge of P6 scheduling, Earned Value Management Systems, and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) platforms like ACC, Navisworks, and Point cloud modeling. Accurately forecast budgets and avoid scope gaps or schedule slips.
• Construction & Quality Execution: Provide continuous design support through the construction phase, leading the resolution of field issues, contractor RFIs, and submittals. Conduct periodic site observations to ensure final builds align with design intent. Partner with Commissioning agents and Quality Agents to de-risk projects and ensure a clean transition to the Facilities Maintenance and Utilities teams.
• Exceptional Communication: Maintain clear, transparent communication to avoid change orders. Skillfully navigate escalations, de-escalations, and risk avoidance with stakeholders ranging from Senior Executive Operations and external government officials, to hourly employees on the production line.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Bachelor of Architecture or Engineering (or related discipline) with 10-15 years of applicable experience in design management, engineering, architecture, and construction. Strong knowledge of all engineering disciplines and their direct interface with manufacturing equipment. Expertise in advanced project management processes, construction documentation, and financial controls. Demonstrated soft skills and adaptability required to work effectively in a fluid start-up environment. Experience working in VDC, CAD environments, and managing major cross-functional workflows.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS Master's degree in a built environment field, engineering, construction management, or finance. Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Licensed Professional Architect or Engineer (or similarly recognized certification). Experience leading the successful delivery of large scale capital delivery projects. Experience applying sustainability principles and automating workflows through AI, and/or script programming Previous experience in execution and construction of automotive paint shops.

Locations: Atlanta, GA or Social Circle, GA.

Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is USD $161,000 - $213,260 for Georgia 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 and equity awards. 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.

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 click.appcast.io.