Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Rivian; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer specializing in metals to lead material selection and validation for ferrous systems. This role focuses on collaboration with various teams to ensure performance targets are met and includes responsibilities from concept to customer experience.

The ideal candidate has a strong metallurgical background, with a Master's degree and over 5 years of experience in automotive product development, particularly in automotive steel grades and their processing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in automotive-related product development.
• Experience with advanced high strength steels and their processing.
• Strong background in phase transformations and heat treatment.

Responsibilities

• Lead material selection and validation for ferrous metal systems.
• Collaborate with teams to meet material performance targets.
• Drive decisions across design, manufacturing, and quality.

Skills

Metallurgical expertise

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microscopy

Mechanical testing

Job description

The Senior Materials Engineer, Metals at Rivian will lead material selection and validation for ferrous metal systems while providing support for light‑metal applications. This role requires deep metallurgical expertise, particularly in steels, and the ability to navigate the full product lifecycle from concept to customer experience. The engineer will collaborate with various teams to ensure material performance targets are met and drive decisions across design, manufacturing, and quality. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem‑solving skills and a passion for improving product performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive related product development environments.
• Experience with automotive steel sheet grades such as advanced high strength steels and their processing.
• Strong metallurgical background in steels, including phase transformations and heat treatment.
• Working knowledge of aluminum and other light‑metal systems.
• Hands‑on experience with microscopy, formability testing, and mechanical testing.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as stamping, casting, and welding.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.