Staff Mechanical Engineer - Seat Complete

Watershed; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 137,800 - 172,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

401(k) plan

Comprehensive insurance benefits

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Seat team within Interior Engineering. You will design and develop automotive seating components from concept through production, ensuring they meet performance and commercial targets.

This role requires collaboration with various teams to achieve design and regulatory compliance. A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline is required, along with 5+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience developing, validating, and launching seating components.
• Eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment.
• Understanding of FE analysis technique to drive design and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop seat components for Rivian vehicles.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Lead the creation of Product Validation plans.

Skills

CAD design and manufacturing process experience

Strong understanding of engineering first principles

Strong working knowledge of FMVSS, ECE, NCAP

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Ability to self-direct while managing ambiguity

Ability to conduct and drive the DFMEA process

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

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

As a member of Rivian’s Seat team within the Interior Engineering department, you will play a key role in shaping innovation and impactful products from concept through volume production. Your contributions will help drive the development of high‑performing and sustainable solutions, fostering a culture of trust and continuous improvement within our collaborative Interior Engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop seat complete components for Rivian vehicles from concept through production that achieve performance, timing and commercial targets.
• Collaborate closely with Studio designers, Vehicle Safety, Perceived Quality, and other cross‑functional engineering teams to achieve design themes and attribute targets.
• Design and develop products in Catia V6 using generative shape design, part design, and sketcher workbench.
• Engage cross‑functionally ensuring seamless collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and key stakeholders to align to broader company goals and drive success in area of responsibility.
• Design and develop the engineering bill of materials and perform change management using Enovia as a part management tool.
• Design and develop DFMEAs with the cross‑functional team and cascade dependencies to cross‑functional partners.
• Lead the creation of Product Validation plans, coordinate validation activities, and sign off validation results.
• Exhibit “Rivian Compass” values in everything you do.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years first‑hand experience developing, validating, and launching seating components or assemblies into automotive or equivalent systems.
• CAD design and manufacturing process experience.
• Eagerness to work cross‑functionally in a dynamic environment where you are part of a team.
• Strong understanding of engineering first principles.
• Eagerness to learn and excellent communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of FMVSS, ECE, NCAP and other automotive evaluation and regulatory achievement.
• Ability to self‑direct while managing ambiguity.
• Excellent understanding of GD&T standards.
• Understanding of FE analysis technique to drive design and optimization.
• Ability to conduct and drive the DFMEA process.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Curiosity and high learning agility.
• Ability to travel to vehicle and component launch locations.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $137,800 - $172,300 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.

Benefits

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 that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [e-mail].