Failure Analysis Engineer - NDT

Rivian; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian's Failure Analysis Lab in Tustin, CA seeks an experienced non-destructive evaluation specialist to drive imaging and analysis across Rivian’s electric vehicle platforms. You will own CT imaging workflows, support product development, production line escapes, warranty, and field failures, and work closely with FA engineers at our Normal, IL facility.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least five years of hands-on NDE experience, with NDT certification

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• Five years of hands-on experience in non-destructive evaluation or related field.
• NDT Level 2 or Level 3 certification preferred.
• Automotive or regulated-industry experience preferred.
• Ability to plan analyses and document findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and optimize NSI X5000 CT scanner and imaging workflows.
• Reconstruct volumes, analyze porosity/voids, and perform CAD-to-part comparisons.
• Operate SEM/EDS for fractography, surface characterization, and elemental analysis.
• Use optical profilometry and 2D X-ray inspection to support QA and root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across multiple Rivian engineering groups.

Skills

NDT Certification

Technical reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Self-directed work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science / Mechanical Engineering / Physics

Tools

NSI X5000 CT scanner

VG Studio Max

SEM/EDS

Keyence VR-6000

Job description

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

Reliability is at the core of Electric Adventure Vehicles. This position sits in Rivian's Tustin, CA Failure Analysis Lab and is dedicated to non-destructive evaluation across Rivian's full product line.

• Own the lab's computed tomography and optical metrology capability, producing the high-fidelity imaging and dimensional data that drives root cause determination.
• Support programs spanning new product development, production line escapes, warranty, and field failures.
• Work as an integral member of the FA team in Tustin, in close partnership with the FA engineers at our Normal, IL production facility.
• Serve cross-functional customers across Energy Storage, Chassis, Body, Thermal, Closures, and Electrical Engineering - from battery cells and power electronics to castings, closures, and structural assemblies.
• Operate in a hands-on, high-throughput environment where the quality and speed of your imaging and analysis directly determine how quickly Rivian identifies and corrects hardware failures.

Responsibilities

We are looking for expert-level, hands-on depth in the following areas:

• Setup, operation, and technique development of the NSI X5000 CT scanner with 225 kV and 450 kV X-ray sources, or an equivalent industrial CT system - including source and detector selection, scan parameter optimization, and radiation safety practice.
• Expertise with VG Studio Max reconstruction software, or equivalent, covering volume reconstruction, porosity and void analysis, surface mesh generation, CAD-to-part nominal comparison, and dimensional measurement.
• Advanced capability in sample preparation techniques and in the operation of the scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) for fractography, surface characterization, and elemental analysis.
• Advanced capability with the Keyence VR-6000 optical profilometer, or equivalent, and its associated diagnostic software for 3D surface and form measurement.
• Working knowledge and hands-on use of optical microscopy - Keyence VX-series, Zeiss, Olympus, or equivalent - and 2D X-ray inspection.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of five years of relevant hands-on experience.
• NDT Level 2 or Level 3 certification preferred.
• Automotive or other regulated-industry experience preferred.
• Ability to independently scope an analysis and determine the correct sequence of non-destructive examination prior to any destructive work.
• Comfort documenting findings in clear, well-visualized technical reports for both engineering and executive audiences.
• A self-directed approach, the ability to carry a high-volume analysis queue with minimal ramp, and a desire to help build a respectful, inclusive, and inspiring team culture.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $77,800 - $97,300 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.

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 [e-mail].

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.