Staff Process Engineer - EV Drive Unit Manufacturing

Rivian Automotive; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 126,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Staff Process Engineer to optimize manufacturing processes for the Drive Unit team. You will bridge process efficiency with quality assurance, driving continuous improvement initiatives and ensuring compliance with industry standards and internal specs.

This role reports to the Sr. Manager of Process Engineering within the Drive Unit Team and emphasizes scaling and optimizing drive unit assembly while maintaining high yields and minimizing waste.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in engineering required.
• 5–7+ years in high-volume manufacturing (automotive preferred).
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Hands-on with production equipment (mechanical, electrical, control systems, automation, robotics).
• Proficient with 2D/3D modeling tools (AutoCAD, CATIA/ENOVIA).
• Experience with DOE, GD&T, PFMEA; torque tooling and error-proofing.
• DMAIC, Lean Six Sigma certifications or training.
• Cp/Cpk analysis using SPC tools (Minitab, JMP).
• SQL knowledge a plus.
• Team oriented with cross-functional collaboration.
• Willing to work 2nd/night shift.
• Plus: EV powertrain experience; DUA/DUT/SPIM/DPIM processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate engineering changes and new program launches.
• Review and summarize data to drive process improvements.
• Determine best practice for materials, tooling, equipment, and labor.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, workflows, PFMEAs; ensure consistency.
• Collaborate with design to enable high-volume production while preserving quality.
• Work with manufacturing to commission and optimize drive unit equipment.
• Perform time analysis using MODAPTS; estimate times; manage staffing and costs.
• Support production with process and equipment troubleshooting.
• Develop recovery procedures to increase equipment availability.
• Investigate assembly issues and implement design/equipment solutions.
• Review SPC data to identify trends and reduce scrap.
• Monitor Quality KPI and drive cost reductions with cross-functional teams.

Skills

5–7+ years experience in high-volume m

Creative problem-solving

Good communication skills

Hands-on with production equipment

Team oriented / cross-functional

2nd/night shift availability

Kaizen / Lean / Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's/Master's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

CATIA/ENOVIA

DOE

GD&T

PFMEA

Six Sigma DMAIC

Lean Six Sigma

MTM/MODAPTS

Minitab

JMP

SQL

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Staff Process Engineer to optimize manufacturing processes for the Drive Unit team. You will bridge process efficiency with quality assurance, driving continuous improvement initiatives and ensuring compliance with industry standards and internal specs.

This role reports to the Sr. Manager of Process Engineering within the Drive Unit Team and emphasizes scaling and optimizing drive unit assembly while maintaining high yields and minimizing waste.