Lead Program Manager, Early Program Development at Rivian - Irvine, CA

Role Overview

Rivian is revolutionizing the automotive industry with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles designed for outdoor enthusiasts. As a Lead Program Manager, Early Program Development, you'll bridge high-level product strategy and engineering execution within our Strategy & Planning team. Based in Irvine, California, this role leads cross-functional integration of new EV programs from concept to Concept Freeze.

Work on ambiguous problems without clear answers, leading technical deep dives, trade-off analyses, and operational strategies. Interact with engineering, operations, manufacturing, finance, supply chain, and executive leadership to bring innovative products to production-ready development. If you're passionate about EV program management and solving complex challenges in a hardware-intensive industry, this Rivian career is your next adventure.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

Join Rivian's innovative team and take ownership of early-stage program development with these critical responsibilities:

• Collaborate cross-functionally to establish competitive benchmarks, pricing studies, and volume sensitivities for early-stage programs.
• Identify and gather insights on key positioning elements and features driving program volume and price targets.
• Manage program business case inputs, tracking BOM COGS, non-BOM costs (conversion, logistics, warranty), and investment envelopes.
• Lead deep dives with Advanced Product Development teams to develop early concepts.
• Facilitate cross-functional studies to identify mission-critical 'one-way door' decisions with rapid iteration.
• Build trade-off matrices and decision frameworks resolving feature objectives vs. financial/technical constraints.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Procurement, and Logistics for operational strategies supporting product definition.
• Translate cost targets into clear objectives for manufacturing footprint, logistics, and supply chain.
• Execute ad hoc analyses including value stream mapping, cash cycle optimization, and make-vs-buy studies for leadership decisions.

These action-oriented tasks position you at the forefront of Rivian's next-generation electric vehicle programs.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as Rivian's Lead Program Manager in Early Program Development, you need:

• 4-7+ years experience in Technical Program Management, Product Development, or Industrial Engineering in automotive, aerospace, or energy sectors.
• Strong technical literacy to speak engineering/manufacturing language and evaluate architecture trade-offs.
• Proficiency in structured decision frameworks and trade-off matrices for ambiguous problems.
• Financial modeling expertise handling BOM COGS, cost structures, and investment analysis.
• Excellent communication skills synthesizing technical deep dives into executive recommendations.
• Passion for business execution and tackling difficult, ambiguous challenges in hardware development.

Rivian seeks curious, courageous individuals who challenge conventions and drive innovation in EV manufacturing.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $154,000 - $192,500 USD yearly for California applicants (determined by experience, location, and factors permitted by law).

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical/Rx, dental, vision insurance starts day one.
• Premium coverage: Rivian pays most premiums for employee, spouse/domestic partner, children up to 26.
• Competitive compensation in Irvine, CA EV hub.
• Mission-aligned culture protecting the outdoors through sustainable vehicles.
• Disability accommodations and equal opportunity employment.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric trucks and SUVs – we're redefining adventure mobility. Our diverse team shares a love for the outdoors and commitment to future generations. Work in Irvine, California on groundbreaking programs that challenge what's possible.

Experience cross-functional impact, from concept to production, in a company that operates comfortably in unknown territories. Rivian's equal opportunity culture ensures all qualified applicants thrive, regardless of background. Join us to accelerate the shift to sustainable transportation.

With robust benefits, competitive pay, and a passion-driven environment, Rivian offers unparalleled growth in the electric vehicle industry. Don't miss this chance to lead early program development for the next era of adventure vehicles.

How to Apply

Ready to drive Rivian's future? Apply now for the Lead Program Manager, Early Program Development position in Irvine, CA. Submit your resume highlighting technical program management experience in automotive or hardware industries. Rivian is committed to accessible hiring – email candidateaccommodations@rivian.com for disability support.

Your personal data is protected throughout recruitment. Seize this opportunity to join a leader in EV innovation and make history.