Staff CAE Engineer - Chassis & Body Careers at Rivian - Irvine, California

Role Overview

Join Rivian's mission to keep the world adventurous forever as a Staff CAE Engineer - Chassis & Body in Irvine, California. Rivian, the leading EV manufacturer, seeks top talent to drive innovative solutions for our emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles. In this critical role, you'll leverage advanced CAE tools to ensure Body Structure and Chassis components exceed government durability standards and Rivian's ambitious internal targets.

This position demands on-site presence in a dynamic hybrid work environment, with flexibility for extended hours to meet aggressive program timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Design Engineers, Material Specialists, and Attributes teams to deliver optimal, high-performance solutions that redefine automotive engineering.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a Staff CAE Engineer, you'll lead the charge in virtual validation and durability analysis:

• Lead subsystem durability CAE analysis covering Linear, Non-Linear, Static, Dynamic, NVH, Fatigue, and abuse loads for Body Structures and Chassis.
• Develop analysis plans for critical components like top hats, underbody structures, subframes, knuckles, and suspension systems.
• Manage multiple CAE projects with small cross-functional teams (3-5 members) to deliver high-quality results in fast-paced cycles.
• Capture complex model details including welds, joints, hard points, and boundary conditions per Rivian standards.
• Predict and optimize stiffness for body and chassis subsystems, collaborating with MultiBody Dynamics teams.
• Analyze duty cycles and abuse loads from Vehicle Dynamics data to identify critical conditions and predict bolt behaviors.
• Apply nCode expertise for seam weld and parent metal fatigue using Road Load Data and CARLOS standards.
• Visualize and counter failure modes through animations while balancing safety, NVH, DFM, and DFMEA requirements.
• Mentor engineers on materials, welds, and first-principles thinking to foster robust designs.

Proactively innovate analytical methods, reduce physical testing through predictive simulations, and document best practices to elevate Rivian's engineering excellence.

Qualifications & Requirements

Rivian seeks proven leaders with:

• BS in Engineering + 12+ years progressive automotive CAE experience.
• Expertise in body structure and chassis durability analysis using industry-leading tools.
• Advanced skills in nCode fatigue, nonlinear analysis, and weld modeling.
• Experience leading cross-functional CAE projects in high-velocity environments.
• Strong materials knowledge and ability to benchmark/represent in CAE formats.
• Proven track record in field failure root cause analysis and simulation replication.

Must thrive in Irvine, CA hybrid setting with travel and extended hours flexibility.

Salary & Benefits

Earn $137,800 - $182,520 USD yearly (disclosed) plus comprehensive perks:

• Hybrid Irvine workspace with EV charging.
• Full medical/dental/vision coverage.
• 401(k) match + stock program.
• Generous PTO and wellness reimbursements.
• Employee vehicle discounts.
• Professional growth stipends.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building EVs—we're accelerating the future of adventure. Our diverse team challenges conventions, reframes problems, and protects the outdoors. As a Staff CAE Engineer, you'll shape next-gen vehicles, mentor rising stars, and enjoy a culture that values curiosity and courage. Irvine's innovation hub offers unbeatable work-life balance with coastal access.

How to Apply

Ready to engineer the future? Apply now for this Staff CAE Engineer role at Rivian Irvine. Submit your resume highlighting CAE leadership and durability expertise. Join thousands redefining mobility—your adventure starts here!