Senior Vehicle Dynamics Simulation Engineer

Rivian VW Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RSUs

Equity bonus program

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies seeks a senior simulation engineer to own the physics engine for high-performance vehicle dynamics and subsystem behavior. You will ensure faster, more capable simulations, and set the technical direction for fidelity and verification.

The role requires strong C++ expertise, deep numerical methods, and experience optimizing performance. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to reproducibility and CI standards in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field — or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• 7+ years building performance-critical numerical or simulation software in modern C++ — or an equivalent demonstrated record.
• Strong numerical methods: integration schemes, stiff systems, constraint and contact solvers.
• Profiling and optimization on real workloads; disciplined use of sanitizers and static analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own engine performance and numerical robustness, with regression evidence that validated results are preserved.
• Design and implement multi-fidelity simulation so each study runs at the fidelity its question requires.
• Extend vehicle-dynamics and subsystem modeling capability (tires, suspension, driveline, terrain, sensors).
• Own reproducibility and performance standards enforced in continuous integration.
• Set technical direction, document architectural decisions, and mentor engineers.

Skills

C++

Numerical methods

Performance optimization

Regression testing

Debugging

Education

MS/PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, CE or related

Tools

FMI Co-simulation

Profiling tools

Sanitizers & static analysis

Job description

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies seeks a senior simulation engineer to own the physics engine for high-performance vehicle dynamics and subsystem behavior. You will ensure faster, more capable simulations, and set the technical direction for fidelity and verification.

The role requires strong C++ expertise, deep numerical methods, and experience optimizing performance. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to reproducibility and CI standards in a fast-paced