Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 192,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Rx insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer in Irvine, California. In this role, you will be the subject matter expert driving the complete lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes, ensuring performance targets are met. You will lead analytical projects, optimize thermal performance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience, a strong background in thermal science, and excellent problem-solving skills. Rivian offers competitive compensation along with robust benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience with automotive thermal systems.
• Deep understanding of refrigerant systems and heat pumps.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive the complete lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes.
• Lead benchmark activities for comprehensive EV market evaluation.
• Optimize vehicle thermal performance and efficiency.

Skills

Thermal management systems

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Engineering Bachelor's or Master's Degree

Tools

1D simulation tools (GT Suite, Matlab/Simulink)

Programming languages (MATLAB, C, Python)

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 Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will be the subject matter expert driving the complete lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes, from initial target setting through final vehicle sign‑off. Your deep technical expertise in thermal management systems, particularly heat pump operations and efficiency optimization, will be crucial in achieving performance goals. You will leverage strong analytical skills, including advanced simulation and data analysis, and a collaborative mindset to lead the development and execution of robust thermal attribute arbitration strategies. Your work will ensure performance targets are met and validated through vehicle program milestones and final Design Verification Plans (DVPs). This role is pivotal in fostering cross‑functional alignment and resolving complex engineering challenges related to vehicle‑level thermal performance and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Vehicle and sub system target setting for Thermal use cases
• Lead benchmark activities for comprehensive EV market evaluation
• Develop vehicle thermal arbitration strategies with deep understanding of thermal system fundamentals such as refrigerant system operation, i.e., control, system health and limitations
• Optimize vehicle level thermal performance with balancing key design dimensions: front‑end airflow, coolant loops, cabin and heat pump systems including
• Optimize heat pump efficiency through analysis and mid‑ambient operation efficiency
• Data analysis for vehicle level testing especially on refrigerant systems performance and health
• Perform vehicle level thermal simulations for DOE studies, sensitivity studies, and what‑if questions
• Support thermal attribute use case development for all vehicle programs
• Interface with cross‑functional teams to align on thermal HW and Control requirements and targets
• Support thermal system architectures development to meet attribute requirements with cross‑functional teams such as Studio, Propulsion, Thermal and Controls
• Support Vehicle level testing in wind tunnel, proving grounds and on‑road
• Correlation model/simulation with wind tunnel and on‑road test results
• Physics based refrigerant loop system evaluation and deep dives

Qualifications

• Engineering Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited University with a strong background in Thermal Science
• 10+ years' experience with automotive thermal systems and components in OEMs or suppliers
• Strong and solid understanding of automotive thermal systems especially on refrigerant systems and heat pumps and systems interactions
• Knowledge on HVAC and Cabin systems
• Strong fundamentals of heat‑transfer and thermodynamic devices like heat exchangers, compressors, valves, pumps, fans, and heaters along with their subsystem and system‑level interactions
• Proven track record of problem solving and independent root cause analysis
• Thermal chamber/Climatic wind tunnel testing experience is a great plus
• Expert knowledge of HV battery, Electrified Drive unit and Power Electronics is a great plus
• Experience in vehicle engineering and attributes is desired
• Deep knowledge of thermal drive cycles and hand on test experience is a great plus
• Hands‑on experience with 1D simulation tools such like GT Suite, Matlab/Simulink
• Working knowledge of programming languages, including MATLAB, C, or Python is a plus
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skill
• Travel: 25%
• Must have a valid driver's license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for California Based Applicants: $154,000.00 - $192,500.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary

Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full‑time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.

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.

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.