Senior Structural Simulation Engineer – Electronics

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Staff Structural Simulation Engineer in Irvine, CA to lead structural and thermo-mechanical risk management for advanced vehicle electronics. You will drive high-fidelity simulations, establish material characterization, and guide multidisciplinary teams toward engineering excellence.

The role requires deep expertise in nonlinear analysis, FEA, and multi-physics coupling, with a strong emphasis on IC packaging, reliability, and design optimization for electronics assemblies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 3–5 years (Ph.D) or 5–7 years (MS) of relevant industry experience in structural mechanics for electronics assemblies.
• Expertise in IC package design, CPI failure modes, and high-power semiconductor applications.
• Proficiency in FEA solvers and convergence troubleshooting in industry-standard tools.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural and thermo-mechanical risk management for low-voltage electronics assemblies in vehicle electrical hardware.
• Execute multi-scale simulations (e.g., random vibrations, shock, thermal cycling) to meet performance and reliability targets.
• Conduct stiffness assessments and actuation mechanics simulations for haptic switches and tactile interfaces.
• Perform non-linear structural evaluations under aggressive abuse scenarios to prevent fatigue failure.
• Direct multi-physics simulations for critical low-voltage modules and sensors to minimize distortion and deflection.
• Define structural risk margins, guide component selection, and optimize PCB layouts for integrated boards.
• Deliver design guidance including enclosure stiffness, thermal stack-up, and cooling architecture.

Skills

Structural mechanics

Non-linear analysis

Explicit Analysis

Linear dynamics & vibrations

Thermal-structural coupling

Python/ Matlab

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

Ansys

Abaqus

Optistruct

SimLab/SimSolid

Hypermesh

Python/ Matlab for analysis

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Staff Structural Simulation Engineer in Irvine, CA to lead structural and thermo-mechanical risk management for advanced vehicle electronics. You will drive high-fidelity simulations, establish material characterization, and guide multidisciplinary teams toward engineering excellence.

The role requires deep expertise in nonlinear analysis, FEA, and multi-physics coupling, with a strong emphasis on IC packaging, reliability, and design optimization for electronics assemblies.