Sr. Additive Specialist

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian seeks a Sr. Additive Specialist in California to operate, program, and optimize additive manufacturing equipment in a fast-paced prototype lab. You will work semi-independently, handling print preparation, machine setup, and post-processing to deliver high-quality parts.

The role requires 2–4 years of hands-on AM experience, proficiency with Stratasys and FormLabs systems, and the ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs. High school diploma or GED is required.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in additive manufacturing or prototype lab environments.
• Strong understanding of 3D printing technologies and material behavior.
• Ability to work semi-independently with sound technical judgment.

Responsibilities

• Program, optimize, and schedule builds using GrabCad and PreForm for multiple 3D printing tech.
• Set up and operate 3D printers; perform basic troubleshooting of hardware.
• Oversee post-processing, finishing, and quality checks on printed parts.
• Experiment with build setups and materials to improve consistency.
• Communicate effectively with team and department on lab activities.
• Maintain lab organization, safety standards, and material inventory.

Skills

Machine operations

Slicing software

Material properties

Autonomy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical certification or Associate degree in a related technical discipline

Tools

Stratasys machines

FormLabs machines

Job description

About Rivian

Rivianis 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

The Sr. Additive Specialist will be responsible for operating, programming, and optimizing additive manufacturing equipment and post-processing workflows in a fast-paced prototype manufacturing environment. Working semi-independently, this role requires near full understanding of machine operations, slicing software, and material processing to consistently deliver high-quality parts. The ideal candidate demonstrates solid judgment in print optimization, proactively identifies shop inefficiencies, performs basic machine troubleshooting, and helps guide requests across the locality.

Responsibilities

• Build Programming & Optimization: Program, optimize, and schedule build layouts using GrabCad and PreForm slicing software to ensure maximum part quality, density, and throughput across multiple 3D printing technologies (e.g., SLS, FDM, SLA).
• Machine Operations & Troubleshooting: Maintain readiness of designated 3D printing equipment and shop areas. Perform setup, machine operation, and basic hardware troubleshooting to resolve routine issues.
• Post-Processing & Finishing: Perform and oversee post-processing operations (cleaning, sanding, deburring, bonding, surface finishing, and assembly) to ensure finished parts meet strict engineering and design specifications.
• Continuous Improvement: Experiment with build setups and materials to improve process consistency and identify operational inefficiencies within the lab.
• Collaboration: Maintain full communication with the immediate team and greater national department.
• Lab Maintenance & Logistics: Adhere to 5S and safety protocols, manage raw material inventory, and support incoming/outgoing part shipping logistics.

Qualifications

• Experience: 2–4 years of hands-on experience in a technical additive manufacturing, prototype lab, or R&D environment.
• Technical Aptitude: Demonstrated near-full understanding of machine operations, slicing/build preparation software, and material properties across key 3D printing technologies.
• Autonomy & Judgment: Proven ability to handle moderately complex assignments, exercise sound technical judgment, and work semi-independently with minimal supervision.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Technical certification or Associate degree in a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Software & Tools: Hands-on proficiency with Stratasys and FormLabs machines.
• Soft Skills: Open to constructive feedback, strong peer-to-peer and departmental communication skills, and a strong work ethic.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Pay Disclosure

The Hourly Pay Range for this role is $37.17 - $41.30 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.

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 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].

Candidate Data Privacy and Technology

Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.

How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.

AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.

Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.