Sr. Simulation Engineer, Factory Design at Rivian

Role Overview

Rivian is revolutionizing automotive manufacturing with its cutting-edge Factory Design & Simulation team. As a Sr. Simulation Engineer, Factory Design, you'll be at the forefront of creating optimized value streams that enable production of market-leading electric adventure vehicles at scale. Located in Normal, Illinois or Stanton Springs North, Georgia, this role demands discrete event simulation (DES) expertise to guide factory design from concept to full operation.

Our Digital Manufacturing Engineering & Automation team develops standardized tools for throughput and material flow simulations. You'll collaborate with industrial strategy, vertical integration, and system design teams to ensure holistic factory designs meet Rivian's ambitious production targets. This position requires deep manufacturing engineering principles combined with advanced simulation modeling proficiency.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, solving complex problems using first-principles thinking. You'll create digital twin models, identify production bottlenecks, and validate simulations against real-world data. Join Rivian's mission to Keep the World Adventurous Forever by building the factories of the future.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

• Build discrete event simulation models for Body, Paint, Drive Unit, Battery, General Assembly, and Supply Chain processes
• Manage multiple integrators and integrate deliverables into comprehensive shop and factory models
• Develop decision-making frameworks with quantifiable tradeoffs for factory-wide optimization
• Optimize plant layouts through throughput analysis, bottleneck identification, buffer sizing, and material routing
• Collaborate with Automation & Controls to incorporate real-world data for model validation
• Develop and maintain digital twin models for manufacturing system testing and validation
• Co-develop DES standards including simulation asset libraries with performance characteristics
• Identify bottlenecks during production ramp-up and validate against actual production metrics
• Partner across teams to define throughput architecture and buffer requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as a Sr. Simulation Engineer at Rivian, you need:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering, or Computer Science
• 5+ years industrial/manufacturing engineering experience focused on discrete event simulation
• Expert proficiency with DES tools (FlexSim, Arena, AnyLogic preferred)
• Programming experience creating features/modules using FlexScript, Simtalk, C++, Python
• Strong statistics knowledge including uncertainty and sensitivity analysis
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in highly variable environments
• Systems-level problem-solving track record with ambiguous challenges
• Excellent communication skills across all organizational levels

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in General Assembly or Paint shop operations
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, Tableau, SQL for data analysis
• AutoCAD experience with factory layout designs

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this Sr. Simulation Engineer role is $98,500 - $123,000 USD annually for Illinois and Georgia applicants. Position within range determined by experience, competencies, and qualifications.

Rivian offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Relocation assistance (mandatory for Normal, IL or Stanton Springs North, GA)
• Competitive health, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) matching and employee stock purchase program
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule
• Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement
• On-site fitness centers and wellness programs
• Free EV charging at Rivian facilities

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles—we're redefining automotive manufacturing. Our Factory Design & Simulation team powers this transformation through innovative simulation strategies. You'll work with diverse, outdoor-loving teams passionate about protecting the planet for future generations.

Experience a collaborative, agile environment where your simulation expertise directly impacts production of adventure-ready EVs. Rivian's culture challenges conventional thinking, embraces first-principles problem-solving, and rewards those who thrive in ambiguity.

How to Apply

Ready to optimize factory designs for the future of EVs? Apply now for the Sr. Simulation Engineer, Factory Design position at Rivian. Submit your resume highlighting DES experience, programming skills, and manufacturing engineering background. Relocation to Normal, IL or Stanton Springs North, GA is required.

Join the team building the world's most advanced EV manufacturing facilities. Applications reviewed on rolling basis—apply today!