Role Summary

The Fabrication & Design Lead bridges the gap between engineering concept and physical execution. This hybrid role combines CAD or equivalent design expertise, hands-on fabrication capability, and daily technician team leadership. You will be responsible for designing components, carts, and dollies used by Material Supply, directly building and testing prototypes, and guiding a small team of technicians to meet production schedules, maintain shop safety, and uphold quality standards. This role will report onsite to the Manager, Continuous Improvement and will be based out of Normal, IL.

Responsibilities

Design & Engineering (Design Engineer)

• CAD Modeling & Technical Drawings: Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D fabrication drawings using CAD software (Fusion 360, Bamboo studio or equivalent) adhering to GD&T standards.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Design custom carts, dollies, tooling, jigs, fixtures, and prototype components optimized for efficient fabrication, machining, and assembly.
• Engineering Analysis: Perform basic stress, material, and tolerance stack-up analyses to validate design integrity prior to build.
• Design Iteration & ECOs: Test prototype builds, identify design flaws, and execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to improve performance and manufacturability.

Fabrication & Prototype Execution (Fabrication Technician)

• Hands-On Fabrication: Operate shop equipment (CNC/manual mills, lathes, laser cutters, waterjets, Plasma tables and press brakes) to produce high-precision parts for builds.
• Welding & Joining: Perform TIG/MIG welding, soldering, and mechanical assembly of structural components and prototype units.
• Additive Manufacturing: Manage, operate, and maintain 3D printing equipment (FDM, SLA, SLS) for rapid prototyping.
• Inspection & Quality Control: Verify prototype parts against engineering drawings using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMM).

Team Leadership & Shop Management (Group Leader / Team Lead)

• Team Supervision & Workflow: Lead daily shift stand-ups, assign work orders to technicians, track project deliverables, and remove operational bottlenecks.
• Process Improvement & Lean: Implement 5S methodologies, Kaizen events, and root cause analysis (8D, 5-Whys) to optimize shop floor workflow and reduce downtime.
• Mentorship & Onboarding: Train and mentor junior technicians on safety protocols, equipment operation, and proper fabrication techniques.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce shop safety rules, maintain PPE compliance, oversee tool maintenance schedules, and conduct periodic safety audits.

Qualifications

• Engineering Skills: 3+ years of professional experience in 3D CAD modeling, GD&T application, and generating technical drawing packages.
• Fabrication Skills: 3+ years of hands-on experience in a machine shop, prototype lab, or custom fabrication environment operating manual/CNC machinery and performing metal joining/assembly.
• Leadership Skills: 1-3 years of experience leading a team, managing shift operations, or serving as a project/shop lead.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field with 3+ years related experience preferred. Or Associate's Degree or Vocational/Trade Certification in Machining, Welding, Drafting/CAD Technology, or Mechatronics PLUS 5+years related experience.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $89,900 - $112,400 for Illinois based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than Oct 2nd, 2026.