Sr. Materials Engineer

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a materials engineer to guide mold-in-color and painted plastics from early prototyping through validation and production. You will bridge design intent with engineering feasibility, collaborating with Product Development and CMF to drive material selection and scalable applications.

The role requires 5–7+ years in materials engineering, knowledge of decorative materials, and strong problem-solving skills. Travel up to 10% domestically and internationally is expected as needed.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Materials Science, Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 5–7+ years of materials engineering experience, with focus on mold-in-color and painted plastics; automotive experience preferred.
• Knowledge of decorative materials (plated components, real wood, aluminum), polymeric films, textiles, composites, or natural fibers is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to manage data and testing documentation.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% (domestic and international).

Responsibilities

• Drive material selection, prototyping, and production application for mold-in-color and painted plastics.
• Author Rivian Materials Standards and Test Specifications; lead material sign-offs through Engineering Validation.
• Lead materials R&D focused on sustainability, durability, stain resistance, and cleanability.
• Drive root cause analysis for material-related production issues with Tier suppliers and vendors.
• Provide material modeling data to support digital simulation and CAE workflows.
• Collaborate with Supplier Quality and Purchasing to evaluate and develop material suppliers.
• Apply first-principles thinking to technical challenges and uphold Rivian values.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

First principles

Cross-functional

Documentation

Education

B.S. in Materials Science/Engineering (M.S. preferred)

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

About Rivian

Rivian is 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

In this role, you will provide technical guidance for mold-in-color, painted plastics, and finished materials. Partnering closely with Product Development and Color Materials & Finishes (CMF), you will bridge design intent with engineering feasibility guiding materials from early prototyping through validation and production.

Responsibilities

• Development & Prototyping: Partner with Product Development and CMF to drive material selection, prototyping, and production application for mold-in-color and painted plastics.
• Validation & Standards: Author Rivian Materials Standards and Test Specifications, and lead material sign-offs through the Engineering Validation process.
• Advanced Materials & Sustainability: Lead materials R&D focused on sustainability, durability, stain resistance, and cleanability.
• Production & Issue Resolution: Drive root cause analysis for material-related production issues, working directly with Tier suppliers and material vendors.
• Digital Validation: Provide material modeling data to support digital simulation and CAE workflows.
• Supplier Collaboration: Work alongside Supplier Quality and Purchasing to evaluate, qualify, and develop material suppliers.
• Technical Leadership: Apply a first-principles approach to technical challenges, demonstrate continuous learning, and embody "Rivian Compass" values.

Qualifications

• Education: B.S. in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: 5–7+ years of materials engineering experience, with a focus on mold-in-color and painted plastics (automotive experience preferred).
• Material Expertise: Knowledge of decorative materials (plated components, real wood, aluminum), polymeric films, textiles, composites, or natural fibers is a plus.
• Execution & Problem-Solving: Proven ability to manage multiple complex material projects, solve technical issues using first principles, and work directly with global vendors.
• Communication & Detail: Strong written and verbal communication skills across cross-functional, multi-site teams; meticulous in testing documentation and data management.
• Business Acumen & Tools: Sound commercial/financial awareness, proficiency with Google Workspace, and ability to travel up to 10% (domestic and international).

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $107,800 - $142,900 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.

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