Sr. Technical Program Manager, Advanced R&D

About Rivian 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. Responsibilities Join Rivian’s Battery Engineering team to develop next‑generation, cutting‑edge battery technologies for upcoming vehicle platforms. Manage the R&D budget and track equipment, facility needs, and test resources – guiding projects from initial proof‑of‑concept experiments and advanced characterization to technical validation and final vehicle implementation. Partner with engineers and managers across Battery Engineering to govern technical progress, ensuring development status aligns with critical milestones. Synchronize requirements and deliverables with Rivian’s Vehicle Program, Supply Chain, Control/Software, and Manufacturing teams. Build strategic relationships with external vendors, startups, universities, national labs, and government entities to draft a 5‑to‑10‑year technology roadmap. Utilize Jira, Confluence, and other project management tools to ensure all documentation is coordinated and milestones are met, aiming for zero late releases and late parts during concept and build phases. Manage open‑issue lists with internal stakeholders and external vendors; proactively elevate risks to mitigate impact on early‑stage programs. Oversee all BOM costs and support purchasing and procurement for R&D parts and lab equipment while optimizing team resources across various stakeholders. Anticipate up to 25% travel to support on‑site development and collaborative face‑to‑face discussions Qualifications BS in Chemistry, Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, plus 3+ years of industrial experience. A strong understanding of electrochemical processes and battery materials/components (e.g., cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, foil, binder, etc.) for lithium‑ion cell technology. Proven experience in consumer electronics, automotive, or cell manufacturing preferred and a deep knowledge of battery (cell/pack) and materials/component development (e.g., potting, adhesive, busbar, CCA, seal, enclosure, etc.). Demonstrated experience developing "beyond lithium‑ion" technologies and linking current state‑of‑the‑art methods to emerging cell chemistries (e.g., all‑solid state, semi‑solid state, sodium‑ion, etc.). Ability to lead cross‑functional efforts integrating chips/sensors and advanced electrochemical methods (e.g., EIS, DVA) to tune model accuracy across material, electrode, cell, module, and pack levels. Experience coordinating efforts to improve advanced modeling and algorithms using experimental inputs and/or ML‑based approaches to enhance fast‑charge times, durability, and real‑time diagnostics. Proficiency in working with data scientists and machine learning engineers to collect and analyze large datasets and key design parameters. Ability to create feedback loops that inform future R&D work for optimal pack and EV performance attributes. Professional experience with Jira, Confluence, Jama, and Smartsheet. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to lead diverse, cross‑functional groups and drive complex projects to completion. Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is USD 121,500 – 151,900 for California 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. 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 that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. 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