Lead Dynamics Engineer at Rivian in Irvine, CA

Role Summary

LDE is responsible for architecting and delivering world class vehicle ride, handling, steering, braking, and drivability performance for a given program. The LDE directs the virtual and physical DVP to coordinate and track tuning activities against performance targets from Concept exit to launch.

Throughout the process, the LDE balances trade offs of attributes assigned to that person as attribute champion and with the wider vehicle supporting the Lead Attribute Engineers. This role is multifaceted and works crossfuncationally to ensure the best outcome for the customer and for Rivian.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for setting and delivering the objective and subjective dynamic attributes for a vehicle program (ie R1, or MSP).
• Work closely with Chassis, Controls and Vehicle Dynamics teams to ensure the program is on track to hit target metrics and meet program timing milestones, from the initial mule phase all the way to production
• Define program targets using competitive benchmarking and prior vehicle dynamics knowledge
• Present on behalf of Vehicle Dynamics for program specific topics raised in design and attribute reviews
• Create and maintain ownership of subjective and objective Dynamics related attributes
• Provide subjective feedback and own the direction for final calibration on all Dynamics related attributes
• Develop program level timing plans that ensure all required attributes are met
• Efficiently manage weekly and quarterly task lists and assign ownership to proper Dynamics related engineer
• Perform vehicle level simulations with the intent to provide direction to the program while minimizing the need for physical testing
• Direct the supply the base to ensure that the proper level of support is provided
• Create processes that allow the organization to be more efficient/effective
• Communicate cross-functionally with the Chassis, Powertrain, Testing and Controls teams to improve the integration of the vehicle subsystems into one harmonized driving experience

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with 10+ years in vehicle dynamics or chassis development
• Proven ownership of ride, handling, steering, braking, and drivability at the vehicle level, from target setting through final calibration and tuning sign-off.
• Expert subjective evaluation skills, with the ability to turn driving impressions into objective metrics and clear hardware and software direction.
• Hands-on experience tuning chassis hardware (springs, bars, bushings, dampers, tires) and leading suppliers through on-vehicle tuning and validation.
• Experience owning a vehicle-level DVP and program timing plan in a requirements management system, keeping attribute status current through design reviews and program gates.
• Working knowledge of chassis controls (brake controls, torque path, semi-active/active suspension, EPAS), and of using vehicle data (CAN/XCP) and simulation to drive decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to balance dynamics against other attributes and align Chassis, Controls, Powertrain, Test & Development, and Vehicle Line, and to represent Vehicle Dynamics in leadership reviews.
• Preferred: experience on premium, high-performance, or off-road vehicles (multi-motor torque vectoring, large off-road tires, performance brakes, track modes)

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $196,000 - $245,000 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. 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.