Sr. Supplier Development Engineer , Interior, Chassis, and Thermal

Rivian; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian seeks a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Plant Support) for Interior, Chassis & Thermal to act as the first responder for supplier issues on the production floor.

You will drive containment, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions across Rivian’s R1/R2 programs, collaborating with manufacturing, quality, and control teams and scaling for upcoming launches. The role demands hands-on problem solving, strong knowledge of VDA/AIAG standards, and experience with automotive interiors,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of manufacturing, quality, or engineering-related experience in a fast-paced environment.
• 1+ years of automotive supplier quality or quality engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of automotive quality processes, VDA/AIAG standards, and 8D problem-solving methods.
• Solid understanding of Metrology, GD&T, and engineering drawings interpretation.
• Lean manufacturing background with health and safety practices.
• Excellent negotiation, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• First Responder for line calls related to interior, chassis, and thermal components; perform immediate containment actions.
• Triage issues from EOL tests, leaks, torque verifications, and fit-and-finish inspections; route to stakeholders.
• Generate rapid containment initiatives to protect the production line.
• Implement short- and long-term countermeasures and poka-yokes to resolve defects.
• Document internal reports, quality alerts, and non-conformances for supplier issues.
• Lead launch support with containment and resolution during R2 production.
• Perform RCA and drive 8D actions for diverse defects; coordinate supplier actions.
• Lead cross-functional meetings to improve build quality; track KPIs and drive improvements.
• Train plant teams on quality systems and audit the Quality Management System.

Skills

Automotive supplier quality

VDA/AIAG standards

8D problem solving

GD&T interpretation

Engineering drawings

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional communication

Negotiation

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

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 Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Plant Support) – Interior, Chassis & Thermal, you are the ultimate "boots on the ground" problem solver for our manufacturing plant. You will serve as the first line of defense and immediate responder for supplier-related issues on the production floor, focusing on a broad portfolio that includes interior components (seating, instrument panels, trims, and consoles) alongside chassis systems, suspension, brakes, HVAC, and thermal management across our R1, R2, and EDV vehicle programs.

Utilizing processes based on VDA and AIAG standards, you will collaborate directly with plant manufacturing, quality, and production control teams to execute rapid containments, drive root cause analysis, and ensure production lines keep moving. This role is highly dynamic and requires a "wheels on shoes" mentality, especially as we scale up for the critical R2 launch.

Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Fast Response:

• First Responder: Act as the primary responder for line calls related to interior, chassis, and thermal components, executing immediate containment actions to protect the production line.
• Issue Triage: Evaluate and route supplier issues identified during End of Line (EOL) dynamic testing, fluid fills, leak tests, torque verifications, fit-and-finish inspections, and BSR (Buzz, Squeak, Rattle) reviews to the correct stakeholders.
• Rapid Containment: Generate Rapid Response initiatives to implement immediate, robust containment strategies for supplier issues within the plant.
• Countermeasures: Implement short-term and long-term countermeasures, including error-proofing (poka-yokes), to resolve supplier defects (from dimensional fitment and aesthetics to mechanical failures) and eliminate plant roadblocks.
• Documentation: Author formal internal documentation, quality alerts, and non-conformance reports for supplier-related issues.

Launch Support & Problem Solving:

• Launch Execution: Play a critical, hands-on role in the R2 launch, coordinating containment and resolving complex component issues in real-time.
• Root Cause Analysis: Perform rigorous root cause analysis (RCA) and drive 8D corrective actions for a wide variety of defects, including cosmetic/surface anomalies, fluid leaks, torque failures, and dimensional gap/flush issues.
• Supplier Collaboration: Partner closely with component-specific Part SDEs to communicate plant-level issues, verify supplier corrective actions, and drive permanent clean points at the source.
• Flexibility: Maintain flexibility to work extended or non-traditional hours as needed to support critical launch phases and production builds.

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement:

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead regular inspection and teardown meetings to establish actionable plans for improving overall build, structural, aesthetic, and functional quality.
• Metrics & KPIs: Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant-level supplier quality.
• Training & Auditing: Train cross-functional plant teams on quality systems, procedural applications, and 8D problem-solving methodologies. Conduct internal audits of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure strict plant compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of manufacturing, quality, or engineering-related experience in a fast-paced environment.
• 1+ years of automotive supplier quality or quality engineering experience. Direct experience with automotive interiors (injection molding, soft trim, seating), chassis systems, or thermal/HVAC systems is highly preferred.
• Strong, practical knowledge of automotive quality processes, VDA/AIAG standards, and 8D problem-solving methods.
• Solid understanding of mechanical assemblies, interior fit-and-finish standards, fluid dynamics, and torque strategies.
• Solid understanding of Metrology, Inspection Methods, GD&T, and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Proven ability to thrive in a highly dynamic, physically active plant environment (the "boots on the ground" mentality) with a strong background in Lean Manufacturing and standard health and safety practices.
• Excellent negotiation, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Willingness to work flexible, extended hours to support vehicle launches and ability to travel to supplier facilities on short notice when localized escalation is required.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range for Illinois Based Applicants: The salary range for this position is $89,900 - $112,400 for Illinois 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.

Benefits Summary: 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) 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.

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