Mechanical Engineer II, Special Projects

Special Projects EngineerRivian 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.This role is with the Special Projects Team based in Irvine, CA. Our department is responsible for component, system and full-vehicle prototypes and marketing/show vehicle builds at Rivian. This includes the ability to take almost anything from a sketch or rough concept and turn it into a physical product as quickly as possible. Our group features engineers, program managers, fabricators, technicians, and others focused on efficient design and high-quality, short-duration builds. We support production development and manufacturing through our prototype development but are not release responsible for production parts. We also support an assortment of non-production related vehicle activities.Our engineers need to understand production intent design and manufacturing processes but also the design requirements and limitations of quick build fabrication and one-off prototype processes. This can often mean simplifying a design so it can be bent, welded and created by hand or from a simple tool or fixture. It also means working very closely with the fabrication part of our team to understand what is possible and adapting the design to something built from off-the-shelf parts and supplies. You will work on parts across every vehicle system and could start with a blank page or a complete production design. In all cases, it will be your responsibility to make sure we deliver amazing prototypes. We focus on building fast, learning lessons, quickly iterating on the design and making updates. Our projects range from several hours where we will have a request in the morning and a physical part to test by the end of the day to mules that take months to complete. You will get to experience a variety of projects, will be expected to showcase our capability to the rest of the company and will work hard to make cool things happen. A collaborative attitude and ability to work tirelessly on a design only to toss it out and start over as requirements change is key. This role is in Irvine, CA and will require some travel to our other office locations including Plymouth, MI and Normal, IL.ResponsibilitiesDesign components for vehicles including show cars, marketing vehicles and other non-production assetsSupport these vehicle builds from design through release, fabrication, assembly and in field usageEngineer components that pull ahead production design to support early build timelines while demonstrating production conceptsUtilize Catia to design structures, parts, brackets and other components including generating 2d drawingsDetermine when and where to select off-the-shelf content based on timeline, maturity and vehicle functionInterface with production engineers, purchasers, and suppliers to deliver products on time to a higher than expected levelQualificationsAn understanding of vehicle systemsDesire to be hands on for component/vehicle builds, diagnostics and repairsThe ability to assess complex problems in unfamiliar systemsThe ability to quickly make tradeoffs and decisions to drive progressKnowledge of prototype process –low volume manufacturing and fabrication (milling, turning, welding, etc) – including quality, cost, and timing tradeoffsThe ability to use CAD to design parts and generate drawingsStrong team work skills, the ability to collaborate, and a positive attitudeAn open mind to challenge convention and work to create things in ways that haven't been done beforeA bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalentPay Disclosure The salary range for this role is $85,600 - $107,000 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. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.