Staff Steering Engineer, Chassis

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.


Role Summary

Join Rivian's Vehicle Hardware Engineering - Chassis - Product Development team as the Staff (Lead) Steering Engineer for Chassis. This RIV-6 role will provide technical leadership for the development and integration of steering systems and hardware across Rivian vehicle programs, from early concept through production release, launch, and engineering sign-off.

You will own complex steering system and component decisions, define and cascade technical requirements, lead cross-functional execution, and serve as a trusted technical escalation point for steering design, validation, supplier, and production issues. Your scope may include steering columns, intermediate shafts, dash seals, electric power-assisted steering racks and gears, tie rods, fasteners, and next-generation mechatronic systems such as steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering, and advanced ADAS steering technologies.

The successful candidate combines deep steering engineering expertise with strong systems thinking, sound first-principles judgment, and the ability to lead through influence. You will help shape steering technology strategy, raise engineering standards, mentor other engineers, and deliver a confident, connected driving experience on every surface and in every condition.

Reports to: Senior Manager, Chassis - Steering, Wheels & Tires


Responsibilities

• Spearhead End-to-End Architecture & Development: Lead the technical direction and hardware development for complex steering systems-including advanced Steer-by-Wire (SbW)-making critical architecture decisions that balance safety, performance, NVH, cost, and manufacturability across vehicle programs.
• Manage the Requirements Lifecycle: Author and translate vehicle-level customer attributes into detailed system and component specifications. Drive cross-functional alignment with Vehicle Dynamics, Controls, Functional Safety, Software, and ADAS, while proactively mitigating downstream design impacts.
• Drive Clean-Sheet Design & Optimization: Utilize first-principles engineering, CATIA V6 / 3DEXPERIENCE, CAE, and data-driven trade studies to optimize designs, oversee kinematic packaging, and identify opportunities for improved robustness and customer experience.
• Own Validation Strategy & DFMEA: Approve all DVP&R content, testing strategies, and DFMEA activities. Define robust duty cycles, test methods, and acceptance criteria to ensure comprehensive coverage of system durability, performance, and failure modes.
• Lead Advanced Problem-Solving: Resolve complex, ambiguous, and systemic steering issues from containment through root cause analysis and prevention. Establish reusable problem-solving methodologies and decisively communicate technical conclusions.
• Direct Supplier Technical Development: Hold suppliers accountable to strict quality, timing, and engineering deliverables. Partner with Purchasing to review supplier designs and test plans to achieve the optimal total system solution.
• Represent Steering in Gateway Reviews: Act as the technical authority for Steering Engineering in design reviews, program gateways, build events, and leadership forums, presenting clear recommendations, risks, trade-offs, and recovery plans.
• Champion Engineering Standards: Create, improve, and enforce steering design rules, validation practices, and development methodologies to elevate engineering rigor across the broader Chassis organization.
• Mentor and Elevate the Team: Coach less-experienced engineers through design reviews, technical problem-solving, and supplier engagement to raise the overall quality and consistency of steering deliverables.
• Manage Concurrent Workstreams: Balance multiple vehicle programs and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. Travel as required to support supplier visits, physical testing, prototype builds, and production launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in automotive steering system or hardware development at an OEM, steering supplier, or equivalent engineering organization
• Demonstrated experience leading steering engineering work across multiple vehicle development programs, including concept, development, validation, launch, and production support.
• Deep technical knowledge of mechanical steering systems and components, including steering columns, intermediate shafts, seals, EPAS racks/gears, tie rods, joints, fasteners, and steering interfaces.
• Experience owning or leading system-level and component-level requirements, DFMEA, DVP&R/DVPR, validation planning, design release, engineering change, and sign-off activities.
• Strong first-principles problem-solving capability, including root-cause analysis, structured corrective action, and data-driven decision making under uncertainty.
• Experience with CATIA V6 / 3DEXPERIENCE or an equivalent production CAD environment, along with CAE/FEA tools and engineering release systems.
• Working knowledge of chassis design, vehicle dynamics, steering performance, materials, manufacturing processes, GD&T, design for manufacturing, and joint/fastener engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical decisions, resolve conflicts, influence without direct authority, and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, suppliers, and leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership aptitude, including mentoring engineers, reviewing technical work, setting a high bar for engineering rigor, and representing a functional area in cross-functional forums.
• Experience working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with compressed timing and multiple concurrent priorities.

Preferred:

• Experience with steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering, advanced ADAS steering, steering controls, or other steering mechatronic systems.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) and ISO 19725 as they relate to steering system design.
• Experience with vehicle-level steering tuning, steering feel, on-road assessment, vehicle dynamics, or correlation of simulation and physical test results.
• Experience with global homologation requirements for steering systems across multiple markets.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $137,800 - $182,520 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.

"Salary Range/Hourly Rate for California Based Applicants: $xxx,000-$xxx,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment."

Salary Range Irvine-Based Applicants: $xxx,000-$xxx,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).

Salary Range Palo Alto-Based Applicants: $xxx,000 -$xxx,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the 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.

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