Mechanical Engineer II, Special Projects

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,600 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Medical benefits

401(k) Plan

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a design-focused engineer for their Special Projects Team in Irvine, CA. This role will involve creating prototypes for marketing and vehicle components while collaborating closely with other team members to drive innovation and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant engineering degree, expertise in vehicle systems, and strong CAD skills, particularly in Catia. Join Rivian to push the boundaries of what's possible and create exciting new designs.

Qualifications

• Understanding of vehicle systems.
• Desire to be hands-on for builds and repairs.
• Ability to assess complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Design components for vehicles including show cars.
• Support vehicle builds from design through to release.
• Utilize Catia for designing structures and parts.

Skills

Understanding of vehicle systems

Desire for hands-on component builds

Problem assessment in unfamiliar systems

Ability to make trade-offs for progress

Knowledge of low volume manufacturing

CAD design skills

Strong teamwork skills

Open-mindedness for innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Catia

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

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 such as Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Van, Grey’s Anatomy TV Show Ambulance, Also Mobile Service Van, and various first responder vehicles.

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.

Responsibilities

• Design components for vehicles including show cars, marketing vehicles and other non‑production assets
• Support these vehicle builds from design through release, fabrication, assembly and in‑field usage
• Engineer components that pull ahead production design to support early build timelines while demonstrating production concepts
• Utilize Catia to design structures, parts, brackets and other components including generating 2D drawings
• Determine when and where to select off‑the‑shelf content based on timeline, maturity and vehicle function
• Interface with production engineers, purchasers, and suppliers to deliver products on time to a higher than expected level

Qualifications

• An understanding of vehicle systems
• Desire to be hands on for component/vehicle builds, diagnostics and repairs
• The ability to assess complex problems in unfamiliar systems
• The ability to quickly make trade‑offs and decisions to drive progress
• Knowledge of prototype process –low volume manufacturing and fabrication (milling, turning, welding, etc) – including quality, cost, and timing trade‑offs
• The ability to use CAD to design parts and generate drawings
• Strong teamwork skills, the ability to collaborate, and a positive attitude
• An open mind to challenge convention and work to create things in ways that haven’t been done before
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent

Pay 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.

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 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 https://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].