Role Summary

The Manager, Cost Engineering, will play a pivotal role within the Rivian Cost Engineering organization, leading a team of Electrical Cost Engineers in Plymouth, MI and Irvine, CA. This role will be responsible for overseeing the coordination of the cost modeling process with the larger Cost Engineering organization while actively participating in modeling activities. Combining leadership and hands-on responsibilities, this role requires a strong background in cost engineering, excellent communication skills, and effective team supervisory abilities. This role is based in Plymouth, MI or Irvine, CA and reports to the Senior Manager of Cost Engineering.

Responsibilities

Project Management

• Proactively manage task completion and regularly update cross-functional teams on project status, timing, resource allocation, challenges, and the likelihood of on-time, high-quality delivery.

• Define milestones and identify potential risks to ensure timely delivery of cost models within agreed completion dates. Provide seamless coordination and issue resolution between all team members and groups.

• Coordinate the assigned team with support of functional managers to develop innovative approaches and improved processes.
• Support the implementation of a comprehensive cost engineering strategic roadmap: develop should-cost models, support tear-down and benchmarking activities, integrate advanced software and tools, and steer cross-functional teams in cost optimization initiatives

Supervisory

• Ensure coordination with global cost engineering management on priorities, support, and execution of cost models.

• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to ensure accurate and timely cost estimates.

• Review and validate cost estimates submitted by team members, ensuring they meet quality standards and align with project goals.

• Cultivate a collaborative and innovative team environment, encourage knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Cost Engineering

• Develop should-cost estimates and projections for various automotive vehicle commodities such as lighting components, electrical motors, connectors, displays, wiring harnesses, PCBA-based electrical components, or semiconductor fabrication. Utilize information ranging from written assumptions, sample parts, CAD models, and engineering drawings.

• Collect details and compile data to estimate all production costs considering raw materials, labor, and tooling for estimations or should-cost models.

• Interface with manufacturing plants and suppliers to ensure the most economical tooling, processing, and operations that contribute to profitable production.

• Assist Rivian Procurement in analyzing and reviewing supplier cost breakdowns to identify cost reduction opportunities through negotiations with suppliers.
• Provide guidance to design engineers for proposed new or modified designs to achieve the required function at minimum or target cost.

• Mentor Rivian Procurement team members based on manufacturing and process cost expertise.

• Support competitive vehicle benchmarking to provide input for future model development and target costs.

• Conduct Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) activities to generate cost reduction ideas by identifying process and product efficiencies that decrease overall costs. Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve cost reduction targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Systems, Electrical), Supply Chain, or a related field required
• 2+ years of team leadership experience required
• 5+ years of relevant experience at an OEM, Tier 1 Manufacturer, Contract Manufacturer, Consumer Electronics, or similar company.
• Proven experience in manufacturing processes to support cost model development of lighting components, electrical motors, connectors, displays, wiring harnesses, PCBA-based electrical components, or semiconductor fabrication.
• Proficiency navigating CAD models in CATIA or similar software.
• Ability to interpret and understand design and manufacturing drawings.
• Practical knowledge of Value Analysis/Value Engineering techniques and strong understanding of financial principles.
• Detail-oriented, flexible, and resilient entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to thrive in a start-up environment.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication and collaboration skills and a proven ability to add value to meetings and briefings.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $125,800 - $157,200 for Plymouth, Michigan based applicants and $137,800 - $172,200 for Irvine, California 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 January 20, 2026.