Lead Chassis Engineer - Vehicle Architecture & Launch

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase program

Paid vacation

Job summary

Rivian in California is seeking a Lead Chassis Engineer who will hold cradle-to-grave accountability for vehicle programs, guiding design to launch and into production. You will resolve complex, cross-functional chassis issues and synchronize design activities to ensure the team aligns on the most robust engineering solutions.

As a strategic member of the Chassis Leadership team, you will conduct rigorous technical reviews, drive launch efforts, and serve as the primary conduit for plant

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 12-15+ years of proven success in Chassis design and development, specifically within an OEM environment.
• Mastery of DFMEA and DVPR methodologies, with the ability to lead critical reviews and ensure robust failure-mode mitigation across complex assemblies.
• Expert-level proficiency in CAD—specifically CATIA V6—with a focus on architectural integration and sophisticated packaging solutions.
• Comprehensive technical command of chassis architecture, high-level vehicle dynamics, and wheel and tire alignment.
• Proven ability to dissect complex engineering hurdles using first principles, leveraging data-driven insights to reach definitive solutions.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the presence to influence domestic and international stakeholders, executive leadership, and global Tier 1 suppliers.
• A proactive self-starter mindset with the seasoned engineering judgment required to navigate ambiguity and thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced program cycles.
• Ability to work seamlessly across departments, balancing technical requirements with manufacturing constraints and commercial targets.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary representative for Chassis program-level design and attribute reviews, ensuring engineering integrity is maintained throughout the vehicle's development.
• Orchestrate the resolution of high-complexity technical issues by collaborating with Functional Managers, Attribute teams, and Manufacturing to resolve chassis elements and vehicle-level bottlenecks.
• Guide Design Release Engineers (DREs) through sophisticated design challenges and high-severity root cause analyses, providing the technical oversight necessary to ensure robust solutions.
• Define and manage critical chassis timing constraints by interfacing with Mass, Vehicle Dynamics, Crash, Aero, and NVH teams to deliver program milestones.
• Identify and escape critical technical roadblocks to the Chassis Director, ensuring design activities remain on track and deliverables are met with precision.
• Drive regular technical touchpoints between suppliers and DREs and travel as needed to production sites to provide hands‑on support for manufacturing and key product testing.
• Lead functional planning meetings to establish department priorities and secure the resources necessary to resolve urgent technical hurdles.

Skills

DFMEA

DVPR

Data-driven decisions

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CATIA V6

Job description

Rivian in California is seeking a Lead Chassis Engineer who will hold cradle-to-grave accountability for vehicle programs, guiding design to launch and into production. You will resolve complex, cross-functional chassis issues and synchronize design activities to ensure the team aligns on the most robust engineering solutions.

As a strategic member of the Chassis Leadership team, you will conduct rigorous technical reviews, drive launch efforts, and serve as the primary conduit for plant