Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Chassis Systems

Rivian • Irvine, CA

1d

About The Position

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.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer, Chassis Systems will be responsible for end-to-end chassis architecture definition, integration, requirements, validation, and concern resolution, under the supervision of the Senior Manager. They will work in a team environment within the Rivian Chassis Vehicle Hardware Engineering organization, exercising broad knowledge of automotive chassis components/subsystems and their physical interactions within and external to the chassis, to implement creative and robust solutions to chassis engineering challenges. The ideal candidate brings into the role a solid foundational chassis systems engineering skill set, practical knowledge of vehicle dynamics and other pertinent vehicle attributes, a genuine interest in EVs & Adventure Vehicles, and is driven with unwavering enthusiasm and curiosity to learn as much as possible about chassis design and technologies

Requirements

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related automotive discipline
• 5+ years (preferred) experience in a chassis engineering, chassis integration, or vehicle dynamics engineering role at an OEM
• Must be detail-oriented, methodical, and results-focused
• Must be familiar with DFMEA/DVPR usage and review of these documents
• Strong experience using CAD (ideally CATIA V6) required
• Experience using ADAMS or equivalent multi-body dynamics solver preferred
• Demonstrable Knowledge of GD&T, Material Selection, Design Decision Matrices, Root Cause Analysis, Manufacturing methods for suspension components
• Solid fundamental knowledge of chassis design, vehicle dynamics, suspension alignment and design contributors to vehicle level performance
• Understanding of chassis design standards used across the industry
• Candidates should be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Excellent communication skills, able to interact effectively with domestic and international teammates & suppliers
• Possess a genuine interest in EVs & Adventure Vehicles and is driven with unwavering enthusiasm and curiosity to learn as much as possible about chassis design & technologies.
• Must be a self-starter, use initiative and engineering judgement
• Ability to interpret data and solve complex problems using first principles

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary chassis architectures for new vehicle programs with holistic consideration of requirements, industry best practices, packaging, cost, mass, reliability, design for manufacturing and service, and attributes such as vehicle dynamics, durability, safety, and NVH
• Leverage knowledge of vehicle dynamics, structural mechanics, and chassis design to implement and maintain chassis hard points, collaborating with partner subject matter experts and refining geometry to achieve optimal outcomes within the scope of program requirements and timing
• Select optimal solution paths using multi-faceted and objective decision-making methods
• Build and maintain version-controlled, parametric suspension kinematic models in CATIA V6/3DExperience to facilitate dynamic packaging studies and generate motion envelopes
• Define and integrate system-level chassis requirements through DFMEA, design validation plans (DVP), and integration of vehicle-level requirements and features, interfacing with external systems engineering partners as required
• Organize and lead chassis systems engineering meeting cadences as required for assigned programs, as well as facilitate and participate in related cross-functional discussions
• Perform design verification and other chassis hardware integration studies using CAE tools such as suspension kinematic models, multi-body dynamic (MBD) models, and spreadsheet calculations
• Execute system-level validation test procedures, including definition, planning, instrumentation, data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Use problem-solving skills and tool sets to lead methodical, organized, hands-on, and cross-functional approaches to concern resolution within required timelines, including root cause analysis, interim and permanent corrective action definition/implementation/validation, and recurrence prevention
• Generate and refine chassis design, simulation, and test standards, and facilitate their adoption into standard workflows to ensure continuous improvement
• Investigate value and impacts of applying new chassis technologies to vehicle programs through research, benchmarking, early supplier engagement, and proof of concept studies

Benefits

• The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level