Sr. CAE Engineer - Vehicle Hardware Engineering Integration & Automation

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Senior CAE Automation Leader to build core Python frameworks, Physics AI models, and automated data pipelines for real-time analytics across vehicle hardware engineering. The role bridges structural mechanics with modern machine learning to accelerate next-generation platforms.

The ideal candidate brings 5–8+ years in automotive CAE, strong scripting in Python/MATLAB, and experience with Abaqus/LS-DYNA. Leadership and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Masters/Phd Preferred)
• 5-8+ years of experience in Automotive CAE with a history of Delivering complex programs
• Time spent in a relevant Master's Degree program may count towards work experience
• Software Scripting & Automation: Hands-on coding proficiency in Python or MATLAB for engineering automation. Experience developing automation APIs, GUIs, or macros within common CAD/CAE environments (e.g., ANSA, HyperWorks, Catia).
• AI & Advanced Modeling: Practical experience implementing machine learning frameworks (Scikit-learn, PyTorch, etc.) or creating Reduced Order Models (ROMs) to accelerate development cycles.
• CAE Core Competency: Understanding of structural/crash solvers (e.g., Abaqus, LS-DYNA). Experience in model build requirements, joint/fastener modeling, and correlating virtual results with physical component/subsystem test data.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Knowledge of safety/durability regulations (FMVSS, ECE, NCAP) and experience developing robust countermeasures to meet these requirements.
• Leadership & Collaboration:Experience in leading technical teams and managing global, cross-functional projects and utilizing tools like Jira. Exceptional communication skills to present complex data pipelines and simulation results to executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Drive AI & Automation Strategy: Develop, drive, & implement AI & Automation strategy (Physics AI, Modsim, Python/MATLAB automation scripts, etc.) to accelerate VHE product development.
• Accelerate CAE Validation Delivery Cycles: Architect the next-generation CAE-SDVP execution framework to eliminate simulation bottlenecks and ensure zero-delay readiness for critical milestones like EIF.
• Unify Virtual & Physical Validation: Own the data pipeline connecting CAD design, FEA/CFD solvers, and physical crash/durability testing to build trust in virtual-first development.
• Automate Engineering Intelligence: Build automated, real-time analytics pipelines that translate raw simulation data into actionable risk assessments for executive leadership. Automate technical report generation processes to provide real-time visibility into performance gaps, simulation fidelity, and program risks.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Automation scripting

Machine learning (ML)

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

Abaqus

LS-DYNA

HyperWorks

Catia

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

Vehicle Hardware Engineering at Rivian is shifting from slow, traditional FEA iterations to real-time, AI-augmented physics modeling. We are looking for a Senior CAE Automation Leader to build the core Python frameworks, Physics AI models, and automated data pipelines that will shape how our next-generation vehicle platforms are engineered. Join us if you want to bridge the gap between deep structural mechanics and modern machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Drive AI & Automation Strategy: Develop, drive, & implement AI & Automation strategy (Physics AI, Modsim, Python/MATLAB automation scripts, etc.) to accelerate VHE product development.
• Accelerate CAE Validation Delivery Cycles: Architect the next-generation CAE-SDVP execution framework to eliminate simulation bottlenecks and ensure zero-delay readiness for critical milestones like EIF.
• Unify Virtual & Physical Validation: Own the data pipeline connecting CAD design, FEA/CFD solvers, and physical crash/durability testing to build trust in virtual-first development.
• Automate Engineering Intelligence: Build automated, real-time analytics pipelines that translate raw simulation data into actionable risk assessments for executive leadership. Automate technical report generation processes to provide real-time visibility into performance gaps, simulation fidelity, and program risks.

Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Masters/Phd Preferred)
• 5-8+ (preferred) years of experience in Automotive CAE with a history of Delivering complex programs.
• Time spent in a relevant Master's Degree program may count towards work experience
• Software Scripting & Automation: Hands-on coding proficiency in Python or MATLAB for engineering automation. Experience developing automation APIs, GUIs, or macros within common CAD/CAE environments (e.g., ANSA, HyperWorks, Catia).
• AI & Advanced Modeling: Practical experience implementing machine learning frameworks ( Scikit-learn, PyTorch, etc.) or creating Reduced Order Models (ROMs) to accelerate development cycles.
• CAE Core Competency: Understanding of structural/crash solvers (e.g., Abaqus, LS-DYNA). Experience in model build requirements, joint/fastener modeling, and correlating virtual results with physical component/subsystem test data.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Knowledge of safety/durability regulations (FMVSS, ECE, NCAP) and experience developing robust countermeasures to meet these requirements.
• Leadership & Collaboration:Experience in leading technical teams and managing global, cross-functional projects and utilizing tools like Jira. Exceptional communication skills to present complex data pipelines and simulation results to executive leadership.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $121,500 - $151,900 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.

We are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.