Sr. Design Release Engineer, Drive Unit Differentials

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. 

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Differentials to lead the differential requirements establishment, technical development, integration, and release of differential systems / technologies for our next-generation vehicles at Rivian.

In this role, you will be the technical lead for differential technologies across multiple vehicle powertrain drive unit programs—spanning Open, Limited Slip (eLSD/LSD), Locking, and Disconnecting Differentials / Disconnect Unit architectures. You will bridge the gap between concept design, supplier management, vehicle integration, and mass production, ensuring high torque efficiency, NVH refinement, and optimized range for our electric drivetrains.

Location: Plymouth, MI (On-Site)

Department: Drivetrain & Powertrain Engineering 

Employment Type: Full-Time 

System Design & Release
● Author and manage Rivian Statement of Requirements (SOR) for Drive Unit Differential technologies, lead supplier compliance assessment to SOR thru sourcing; as well as Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), Bill of Materials (BOMs), and technical specifications within PLM software (e.g., Teamcenter, Enovia).
● Work cross-functionally purchasing and technical program manager (TPM) members, lead/support supplier technical reviews, technical assessments, and compliance to SOR.
● Use Pugh Matrix and document adherence to requirements, risk assessment, and technical recommendation. Work cross functionally with purchasing and technical program manager (TPM) members.
● Manage the full product lifecycle from concept (CAD geometry) through Design Validation (DV), Process Validation (PV), launch, and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Integration
● For electro-mechanical systems, partner with Software & Controls teams to optimize disconnect actuators, and seamless front/rear axle disconnect strategies for maximum BEV efficiency. Lead collaboration for Rivian advanced technology exploration such as eLSD.
● Collaborate with NVH & Efficiency teams to minimize gear whine, mesh friction, and drag losses inherent to high-RPM electric motors.
● Work closely with Drive Unit Manufacturing & Assembly engineers to ensure Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA).

Supplier & Technical Leadership
● Direct tier-1 suppliers on component development, tooling timelines, cost targets, and quality deliverables.
● Lead engineering risk assessments including DFMEA, DVP&R, and Boundary Diagrams.
● Root-cause technical issues during prototype builds, dyno testing, track validation, and field operations using 8D / 5-Why methodologies.

Required Experience & Education
● Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
● Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in drivetrain, axle, or transmission engineering, with specific focus on differential design/release.
● Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, NX) and PLM systems.
● Deep knowledge of mechanical differential architectures:
○ Open Differentials (bevel/planetary gear sets)
○ Limited-Slip Differentials (clutch-pack, mechanical, eLSD)
○ Disconnect Systems (dog-clutches, electromechanical actuators, free-wheeling units)

Key Skills & Competencies
● Strong understanding of differential interfaces, such has Halfshafts, Gears, Actuator/Electrical, etc.
● Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing ( GD&T ) and stack-up analysis.
● Experience running and interpreting DFMEA and DVP&R documentation.
● Strong project management, communication, and vendor-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications
● Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
● Direct experience with BEV drag-reduction strategies (e.g., front-axle disconnect units for AWD BEVs).WE

Salary Range Michigan-Based Applicants: $98,500-$123,100 (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 and Technology

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. 

How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.

AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.

Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.