Senior Studio Craftsmanship & Perceived Quality Engineer

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 107,800 - 134,800; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Senior Studio Perceived Quality Engineer to bridge design and engineering, translating sensory inputs into objective specs for class A surfaces. You’ll lead early attribute research, packaging, and feasibility for interior and exterior surfaces, mentoring others while elevating vehicle craftsmanship.

You will collaborate across disciplines, define build standards, validate interfaces, and ensure premium perceived quality throughout development and pre-production stages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Transportation Design, or a related technical discipline.
• 5 years’ experience with Craftsmanship, Perceived Quality, or Studio Engineering in automotive or related high-quality product engineering.
• Deep knowledge of part and assembly tolerance stack analysis, GD&T, and statistical qualification of equipment, design for manufacturing.
• A keen eye for aesthetics, and understanding of manufacturing limitations for premium perceived quality.
• 3+ years experience with Catia V5 or V6 (or similar CAD software).
• Proficiency in VRED and Class A surface modeling is preferred.
• Strong understanding of material impact on craftsmanship, tooling requirements, lead times, and design for manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of domestic and global homologation, legal, and safety requirements is preferred.
• Excellent communication and ability to influence cross-functional teams in a confidential, fast-paced studio.

Responsibilities

• Lead vehicle-level craftsmanship and establish criteria for excellence through benchmarking and early attribute research.
• Define and provide specifications for visible part interfaces, haptics, paint, surface quality, and more vehicle attributes.
• Drive interface maturation and verify conformance to inputs across Studio and Engineering.
• Support dimensional variation analysis and risk assessment studies; virtually validate data for craftsmanship excellence.
• Translate requirements into a detailed build standard and lead handoff to production teams.
• Perform vehicle and part level reviews for Studio Aesthetic standards and triage issues for rapid resolution.

Skills

Craftsmanship

Perceived Quality

Studio Engineering

Eye for Design

CAD

Catia V5/V6

VRED

Class A surface modeling

Manufacturing Knowledge

Regulatory Knowledge

Interpersonal Skills

Travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Design Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Design

Tools

Catia V5/V6

VRED

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Senior Studio Perceived Quality Engineer to bridge design and engineering, translating sensory inputs into objective specs for class A surfaces. You’ll lead early attribute research, packaging, and feasibility for interior and exterior surfaces, mentoring others while elevating vehicle craftsmanship.

You will collaborate across disciplines, define build standards, validate interfaces, and ensure premium perceived quality throughout development and pre-production stages.