Machine Shop Technician

Rivian; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 46,838 - 57,859; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Insurance benefits

401(k) / ESPP eligibility

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Machine Shop Technician focused on CNC waterjet operation to support rapid prototyping and manufacturing. You will load, program, and run a waterjet cutting system, while collaborating with brake press, shear, and welding stations.

A strong background in sheet metal fabrication, CAD/CAM modification in Fusion 360, and a problem-solving mindset are essential. Responsibilities include reviewing tickets, optimizing task order, providing DFM feedback, and maintaining safety and

Qualifications

• Waterjet programming and setup on Omax systems.
• Experience with IntelliMAX nesting and cutting optimization.
• General metal fabrication including welding, shearing, punching, deburring, and light machining.
• Ability to read and apply engineering drawings and shop math.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment safely and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Review Jira tickets to determine material, tooling, and nesting requirements.
• Use Critical Path Method to sequence fabrication tasks and maximize uptime.
• DFM feedback to engineering and modify parts in CAD (Fusion 360) as needed.
• Program, nest, and process parts using waterjet CAD/CAM software.
• Set up and operate CNC waterjet, adjust nozzle alignment and pump pressure for various materials.
• Support brake press, shear, and welding departments with prep and deburring tasks.
• Prepare parts for welding and perform basic MIG/TIG once needed.
• Inspect parts using GD&T and standard measuring tools to verify critical dimensions.

Skills

Waterjet programming

IntelliMAX software

Fusion 360 CAD/CAM

Fabrication fundamentals

Engineering drawings

Tools

Omax IntelliMAX

Fusion 360

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

We are looking for a Machine Shop Technician with a primary focus on CNC Waterjet operation to support our rapid prototyping and manufacturing teams. In this role, you will load, program, and operate a CNC waterjet cutting system while providing critical cross‑functional support across our brake press, shear, and welding stations. A strong background in sheet metal fabrication, proficiency with CNC nesting software, and a flexible, problem‑solving mindset are essential. If you’re driven by innovation, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, we’d love to have you on our team!

Responsibilities

• Review assigned Jira tickets to determine material, tooling, and nesting requirements with autonomy.
• Sort through tasks using the Critical Path Method to complete assigned fabrication requests in the most optimal order to meet deadlines and increase machine uptime.
• Discuss with engineering teams issues related to manufacturability or timing, provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback, and modify submitted parts in CAD (Fusion 360) as discussed to ensure successful completion of tasks.
• Program, nest, and process parts using waterjet CAD/CAM software to maximize material yield and minimize scrap.
• Setup and operate the CNC waterjet system, adjusting nozzle alignment, abrasive feed rates, and pump pressure parameters for a wide variety of materials.
• Provide immediate setup and operational support to secondary fabrication departments, including the brake press and shear, utilizing blueprint bend allowances.
• Support the welding department by prepping, deburring, and jigging parts, and performing basic production or tack welding (MIG/TIG) as needed to maintain workflow.
• Perform inspection tasks to ensure parts conform to required critical dimensions and specifications utilizing advanced GD&T and engineering drawing reading abilities, using standard measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, protractors, height gauges).
• Safely operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and overhead cranes, to load large sheets of raw materials onto the cutting beds.
• Perform routine machine maintenance including monitoring filters, abrasive garnet removal, pump seal checks, and nozzle/orifice replacements.
• Continuous improvement of the overall processes on an ongoing basis.
• Sustain curiosity to explore new materials, technologies, manufacturing methods, and workflows that can benefit our capabilities.
• Implement and follow standardized workflows to improve efficiency.
• Maintain close communication with software vendors to troubleshoot and improve software workflow.

Qualifications

• Waterjet Expertise: Proven experience programming, setting up, and operating Omax waterjet cutting systems.
• Software Proficiency: Hands‑on proficiency with Omax IntelliMAX software for nesting and cutting optimization, alongside Fusion 360 for CAD/CAM modeling and part modification.
• General Fabrication: Strong multidisciplinary background in metal fabrication, including welding (basic production or tack MIG/TIG), shearing & punching (manual or hydraulic), benching (deburring, grinding, sanding), and light machining (basic machine shop equipment such as drill presses, band saws, manual mills/lathes).
• Blueprint & Math Literacy: Exceptional ability to read complex engineering drawings and apply standard shop math (decimals, fractions, geometry) to daily production.
• Material Handling & Physical Demands: Experience operating forklifts and overhead cranes safely; ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for full shifts in a dynamic shop environment.

Pay Disclosure

The hourly pay range for this role is $34.17–$42.71 for Normal, IL based applicants. The position’s salary within this 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.

Benefits

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 paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits such as 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 coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. For more information about benefits.

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].