Staff Pre-Production Quality Engineer Careers at Rivian - Normal, Illinois

Role Overview

Join Rivian, the pioneering EV manufacturer revolutionizing electric adventure vehicles, as a Staff Pre-Production Quality Engineer in Normal, Illinois. This senior technical leadership role drives the pre-production quality strategy across all launch phases, ensuring end-to-end accountability for product readiness. As the primary expert for key commodities and validation processes, you'll champion build-in-quality principles, foster cross-functional alignment, and elevate standards through mentorship and continuous improvement. Rivian seeks curious, courageous innovators passionate about sustainable mobility and outdoor adventures. If you thrive in unknown territories, solving complex problems with data-driven methodologies, this Quality Engineer job at Rivian is your chance to shape the future of emissions-free EVs.

In this position, you'll translate design visions into actionable requirements, mitigate risks proactively, and lead high-impact issue resolutions. With Rivian's state-of-the-art manufacturing in Normal, Illinois, you'll collaborate with elite teams in Design, Product Engineering, Production, and Quality to launch vehicles that redefine adventure. Experience the thrill of bringing prototypes to series production while institutionalizing lessons learned for scalable excellence.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a Staff Pre-Production Quality Engineer, your impact will be profound. Here's what you'll do daily:

• Define and execute pre-production quality strategy: Translate program goals, engineering targets, and leadership expectations into clear, phase-specific deliverables and build instructions for pre-production teams.
• Drive cross-functional alignment: Facilitate agreements on risks, priorities, and mitigations with Design, ME/PE, Production, Process Quality, and Program teams.
• Serve as commodity expert: Guide design, validation, and manufacturing decisions from a quality lens for assigned commodities.
• Own validation processes: Refine major processes like RQA, Water Test, or Quality Gates for robustness and efficiency.
• Deliver DFM feedback: Provide in-depth input to Product Engineering for cost-efficient, high-quality assembly.
• Lead problem-solving: Direct root cause analysis, containment, corrective actions, and validation for complex issues using data-driven methods.
• Institutionalize improvements: Capture lessons learned and embed them into standards, templates, and processes.
• Audit and develop quality tools: Create Control Plans, inspection instructions, and ensure documentation accuracy.
• Report insights: Deliver executive-ready status updates on wins, risks, and launch readiness.

Embrace a build-in-quality mindset, mentoring junior engineers and up-leveling the team's culture around risk management and readiness.

Qualifications & Requirements

Rivian hires top talent. To excel as a Pre-Production Quality Engineer:

• Education: BS/MS/PhD in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Business, or equivalent.
• Experience: 6+ years in quality within production/engineering; 4+ years launching products from prototype to series production.
• Production Knowledge: Deep understanding of complex lines—production control, material handling, supply chain, quality.
• Validation Expertise: Mastery of manufacturing validation for new products across teams and factories, including KPIs.
• Soft Skills: Thrive under pressure with multiple projects; exceptional team player with strong communication.
• Technical Aptitude: Solve complex problems fundamentally; quick learner of systems; proficient in RC/CA methodologies.

Bonus: Passion for EVs, outdoors, and Rivian's mission to protect the planet.

Salary & Benefits

Earn $125,800 - $157,200 USD yearly in Normal, Illinois, with total compensation including equity and perks. Rivian offers:

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Unlimited PTO and flexible scheduling
• EV discounts and home charging incentives
• Professional growth stipends
• On-site gym, childcare, and adventure outings
• Stock options for long-term wealth
• Relocation support for Illinois moves

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles—we're accelerating the shift to sustainable adventure. In Normal, Illinois, our cutting-edge facility powers R1T, R1S, and commercial fleets. As a Staff Quality Engineer, you'll influence global launches, work with diverse teams, and enjoy Illinois' outdoor havens like Route 66 trails. Rivian's culture challenges norms, rewards ownership, and fuels innovation. Join 10,000+ adventurers protecting the planet while advancing your career in EV manufacturing.

Experience rapid growth: From startup to public company, Rivian delivers real impact. Network with industry leaders, access bleeding-edge tech, and contribute to zero-emissions mobility. Normal offers affordable living, vibrant community, and proximity to Chicago—perfect for work-life balance.

How to Apply

Ready to launch quality revolutions at Rivian? Apply now for this Staff Pre-Production Quality Engineer role in Normal, Illinois. Submit your resume highlighting quality launches and production expertise. Interviews include technical deep-dives and cross-functional scenarios. Rivian is equal opportunity—diversity drives our success. Don't miss this chance to own pre-production quality for the next generation of EVs. Apply today and keep the world adventurous!