Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer Careers at Rivian - Palo Alto, California

Role Overview

Join Rivian, the pioneering EV manufacturer redefining electric adventure vehicles, as a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer in Palo Alto, California. Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles. We're seeking a highly motivated, experienced mechanical engineer to challenge what's possible in electronic hardware components. Lead the mechanical development of infotainment and sensor modules within our innovative electrical hardware team. If you thrive in unknown territories, love the outdoors, and want to protect it for future generations, this Mechanical Design Engineer job at Rivian is your next adventure.

Rivian's diverse team constantly reframes old problems and seeks new solutions. As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll partner with domain teams, mechanical architecture, and cross-functional groups to optimize integration for ergonomics, manufacturing, and design. Use first principles thinking to solve complex issues in the future of the EV industry.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer at Rivian, your role will be dynamic and impactful:

• Lead mechanical development of infotainment and sensor modules as part of the electrical hardware team.
• Partner with domain teams to define requirements and conduct trade studies for optimal integration.
• Guide thermal and FEA studies to optimize vehicle component designs.
• Collaborate with electrical teams on PCB layout, enclosure, and thermal design of control modules.
• Develop and document mechanical functional requirements for custom, semi-custom, and off-the-shelf components.
• Ensure comprehensive integration considering UI/UX, EMC, service, manufacturing, thermal, durability, NVH, and more.
• Complete design verification plans for low-mass, low-cost, durable parts.
• Lead cross-functional teams to evaluate changes and drive innovations using scientific methodologies.
• Create detailed drawings with GD&T to ASME Y14.5 standards for tolerance analysis.

Perform other duties to support Rivian's vehicle programs and push the boundaries of electric vehicle engineering.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer role at Rivian, you need:

• 5+ years industry experience in automotive, consumer electronics, biomedical, aerospace, or similar.
• B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering or relevant equivalent experience.
• Proven experience designing components/systems with mechanism design, thermal design, PCB/sensor integration, UI/UX, and class A surfaces.
• Problem-solving expertise in electrical architecture, grounding, EMC, and antenna challenges.
• Leadership in cross-functional teams to innovate and implement solutions.
• Proficiency in CAD (Catia V5/V6/3DX ideal) with advanced surfacing, solid modeling, and organizational skills.
• Excellent GD&T knowledge per ASME Y14.5 for drawings and tolerance analysis.
• Deep manufacturing knowledge: sheet metal, injection molding, casting, CNC, 3D printing.
• EV systems experience, automotive design/manufacturing, low-voltage integration preferred.
• DFMEA principles and execution.

Strong problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills are essential. Identify optimizations from CAE/testing results.

Salary & Benefits

Rivian Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer salary in Palo Alto, CA: $117,000 - $146,000 annually (based on experience, location, and factors permitted by law). Enjoy robust perks:

• Comprehensive medical/Rx, dental, vision insurance.
• Full-time coverage starts day one.
• Part-time after 90 days.
• Family coverage: spouse/domestic partner, children up to 26.
• Equal opportunity employer complying with all fair employment laws.
• Disability accommodations per ADA.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles; we're accelerating the future of adventure. Work on groundbreaking EV technology in Palo Alto, collaborate with top talent, and contribute to sustainability. Our team shares a passion for the outdoors and innovation. Challenge conventions, solve real-world problems, and be part of a company that's comfortable in the unknown. Rivian offers a vibrant culture, career growth, and the chance to lead in the EV manufacturing revolution.

From infotainment modules to sensor integration, your work will directly impact Rivian's adventure vehicles. Join us to protect the planet while pushing engineering boundaries.

How to Apply

Ready to apply for this Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer position at Rivian? Submit your application now! Rivian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants considered without regard to protected characteristics. If you need accommodations, we're committed to accessibility.

Apply today and help Rivian keep the world adventurous. Positions fill fast in the competitive EV job market!

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