Sr. Manufacturing Engineer - General Assembly (Equipment) at Rivian in Normal, IL

Role Overview

Rivian is revolutionizing the automotive industry with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles built for outdoor enthusiasts. We're not just manufacturing cars—we're treating factories as innovative products. As a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer - General Assembly (Equipment), you'll lead the ideation, design, and execution of cutting-edge General Assembly equipment and technologies. This role in Normal, Illinois reports directly to the Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering and supports both existing production lines and future vehicle programs.

Your work will enable Rivian to launch products smarter, faster, and more sustainably. From collaborating with product design for manufacturability optimization to delivering state-of-the-art conveyance and automation systems, you'll challenge the status quo in high-volume EV manufacturing. This is hands-on leadership in a fast-paced environment where factories evolve like software products.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

In this critical role, you'll own the complete lifecycle of manufacturing equipment. Here's what you'll do daily:

• Define manufacturing technologies & strategies focused on maximizing space utilization and efficiency in General Assembly
• Collaborate with product design teams to optimize interaction between equipment and vehicle components using DFMA principles
• Lead end-to-end equipment ownership covering RFQ, SOW creation, design reviews, fabrication oversight, FAT, installation, commissioning, SAT, and production ramp
• Drive vendor selection and negotiations to optimize financial spending while ensuring quality and delivery timelines
• Ensure seamless equipment handover to operations and sustaining engineering teams with comprehensive documentation
• Champion continuous improvement on existing production lines through innovative technologies and process optimization
• Conduct value engineering initiatives, challenging assumptions to break the manufacturing status quo
• Apply first principles problem-solving for complex technical challenges in automation and conveyance systems
• Perform detailed analyses including OEE, cycle time, Cp/Cpk, GR&R, and ROI to drive data-based decisions

This role demands action bias and cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, and supply chain teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as Rivian's Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, you need proven technical expertise and manufacturing leadership:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical field (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering preferred)
• 5+ years experience in engineering roles focused on DFMA, product optimization, manufacturing processes, or equipment development
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing principles: OEE, cycle time analysis, DVA/CVA, Cp/Cpk, GR&R, ergonomics, DOE, quality control, PFMEA, ROI analysis, error proofing
• Strong CAD proficiency working in 2D & 3D environments and various engineering tools
• Proven problem-solving using first principles thinking, challenging assumptions, and bias toward action
• Excellent communication skills for working independently and leading cross-functional teams

Experience in automotive, high-volume manufacturing, or EV assembly is highly desirable. Rivian values diverse backgrounds united by passion for innovation and sustainability.

Salary & Benefits

Rivian offers competitive compensation for this senior role:

• Salary Range: $98,500 - $123,000 (Illinois-based applicants)
• Annual Performance Bonus eligibility
• Equity Awards for long-term success
• Comprehensive Benefits Package effective first day for full-time employees
• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Life, short-term & long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program

Position within range determined by experience, skills, and organizational needs. Part-time benefits start after 90 days.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles—we're accelerating the future of sustainable adventure. Our Normal, IL manufacturing plant is at the heart of Rivian's production revolution. Join a team that:

• Challenges conventional manufacturing by treating factories as innovative products
• Works on next-generation EV platforms with massive growth potential
• Offers ownership and impact from day one—no corporate bureaucracy
• Shares a love for the outdoors and commitment to protecting it
• Provides rapid career growth in the booming EV industry

With production scaling rapidly, this is your chance to shape Rivian's manufacturing future.

How to Apply

Ready to engineer the future of electric vehicles? Apply now through careers.rivian.com. Current employees use internal portal. Position open until at least 3/1/2026. Rivian is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and accessibility.

Don't miss this opportunity to lead General Assembly innovation at Rivian. Apply today and join the adventure!