Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Closures Mechanisms

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Lead Closures Engineer in Irvine to own the lifecycle of high‑impact closure systems. You will champion 1st principles design, mentor engineers, and collaborate with design and manufacturing to deliver lightweight, high‑performing components.

The role demands CATIA/V6 and ENOVIA proficiency to drive from concept to production. You will lead cross‑functional teams, manage cost and weight targets, and ensure successful integration of closures with the vehicle program lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in automotive closures development or equivalent.
• Understanding of product requirements and closures features to deliver world class customer experience in structures, seals and mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead collaborative development of closures mechanisms (handles, actuators, latches, regulators) with cross‑functional teams.
• Own component release for closures systems across concept, design, supplier engagement, BOM, requirements, validation, and production support.
• Manage cost and weight for closure components from initial estimates to supplier quotes and development plans.
• Develop and manage system information through Enovia PLM to Catia V6 environment.
• Advocate 1st principles design for body closures and participate in design reviews with stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop less experienced engineers within the closures team.
• Coordinate supplier meetings, track issues, and drive design resolution.
• Support Manufacturing Engineering from early builds through SOP and 90 days.

Skills

1st principles design

CAD design experience

Mentor engineers

Cross-functional collaboration

CATIA knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Enovia PLM

Catia V6

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

As a Lead Closures Engineer, you will be the driving force behind the sophisticated mechanisms and structures that define the touchpoints of a world‑class vehicle. You’ll own the entire lifecycle of high‑impact systems, championing 1st principles design to balance cutting‑edge aesthetics with elite mechanical performance. This isn't just about component release; it’s about collaborating with studio design and manufacturing to bring bold, lightweight systems to life from concept to production. If you’re a Catia‑savvy innovator ready to mentor talent and influence the next generation of automotive engineering, we want you at the forefront of our mission.

Qualifications

• Lead collaborative development of closure's Mechanisms (Handles, Actuators, Latches, Regulators, etc) including interface with body engineering, studio design, quality, and customer experience teams.
• Responsible for component release for closure's components and systems throughout program lifecycle, including concept design, supplier engagement, BOM management, systems requirements, simulation analysis, prototyping builds, validation testing, and production support.
• Manage cost and weight for closure's components and systems from initial engineering estimates, through supplier quotes. Ensuring accurate forecasting and implementation plans throughout the development.
• Developing and managing your system, subsystem, and component part information through the Enovia PLM to Catia V6 environment.
• Be a champion of 1st principles design methodology in the body closures systems and across the entire vehicle.
• Engage in debate and represent the closures department as a stakeholder during all body design reviews.
• Mentor and help develop other less experienced engineers.
• Coordinate supplier meetings, track, investigate and resolve issues related to design.
• Drive smooth Product Implementation supporting Manufacturing Engineering from early builds until SOP + 90 days.

Pay Disclosure

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineer or related discipline. (Master’s degree preferred)
• 5+ years’ experience (Preferred) in automotive closures development or equivalent industry experience.
• Understanding of product requirements and closures features to deliver world class customer experience in the following areas:
  • Structures – Hoods, Doors, Tailgate – preferably lightweight systems (aluminum or composite) with knowledge of hinges and kinematic requirements.
  • Seals – Dynamic Sealing, Glass Runs, Finishers.
  • Mechanisms – Handles, Latches, Actuators, Regulators.
• A strong understanding of the 1st principle physics of a closures system – the loads, forces, and overall function of the system, and the tradeoffs among design, package, function, and customer experience involved with these systems.
• Ability to self‑direct, self‑managing issues to closure involving all necessary teams, and adapt quickly to program changes.
• CAD design experience for closures systems, mechanisms, structures, or related vehicle components. Catia V6 experience preferred but not required.
• Experience on leverage and usage of CAE results, CAE operational knowledge is a plus.
• Knowledge of an automotive design and development process, system requirements, and general engineering best practices
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of integrity
• Ability to deliver under pressure and manage component design & development within cost, weight, and timing constraints.
• Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required throughout product development.

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

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.

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