Role SummaryThe Lead Engineer, Vehicle Architecture position serves as the critical technical link throughout the vehicle program development, managing system and component packaging from initial concept through production. This role involves close collaboration with subsystem engineers to ensure packaging feasibility within a dedicated zone, balancing competing engineering priorities to deliver exceptional products.
Responsibilities- Zone Technical Leadership: Act as the primary technical owner and point of contact for one of the primary vehicle integration zones
- Design Integration & Packaging: Maintain the design environment, managing static and dynamic clearances to prevent clashes, follow ergonomics criteria, debate engineering solutions through sections and ensure all subsystem CAD is compatible.
- CAD Studies: Creation of motion envelopes, packaging studies and 3D criteria along with occupant package and vehicle layouts.
- Prototype development: Coordinate physical prototype development to support studies
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Drive the resolution of complex, cross-functional trade-offs and topics involving multiple engineering and design teams, using a data driven approach
- Comprehensive Issues Management: Create, assign, and manage compatibility issues and conduct regular architecture zone review meetings
- Manufacturing and Service Feasibility: Partner directly with manufacturing and service teams to ensure efficient installation and ease of serviceability for all components in the zone while meeting all functional requirements
- Design-Studio Partnership: Work iteratively with the design studio, analyzing Class A surfaces to ensure production feasibility and seamless coordination with interconnected vehicle systems
- Proactive Benchmarking: Conduct benchmarking analyses to maintain and ensure a technical competitive advantage
- Commitment to Excellence: Challenge industry norms, exceed expectations, and maintain a relentless passion for creating truly exceptional products.
Qualifications- B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- 5+ years of experience in automotive packaging, including at least one full product lifecycle from concept through production
- Comprehensive understanding of functional vehicle systems and corresponding design principles
- Strong grasp of key automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, casting)
- Working knowledge of regulatory and certification requirements
- Experience with standard 3D CAD software such as CATIA V5 or V6
- Working Hours: Standard (8am - 5pm)
- Travel Requirements of Position: At least once per quarter
Pay DisclosureThe salary range for this role is $125,800 - $157,200 for Michigan 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.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services. 
