Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Chassis Systems at Rivian in Irvine, CA

Role Summary

Based at our Design HQ in Irvine, CA, the onsite Senior Mechanical Engineer, Chassis Systems drives the end-to-end definition, integration, requirements, validation, and concern resolution for chassis architecture within the Rivian Chassis Vehicle Hardware Engineering team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, this role applies deep expertise in automotive chassis components, vehicle dynamics, and cross-subsystem physical interactions to deliver robust, innovative engineering solutions. The ideal candidate brings a strong systems engineering foundation, a passion for electric and adventure vehicles, and an innate curiosity to master and advance cutting-edge chassis technologies.

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

Qualifications

• 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

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $107,800 - $143,000 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.