Role SummaryAs a Sr. CAE Engineer (RIV5), you will serve as the structural authority for Rivian's Exterior Trims & Mechanisms-including Fascias, Front-End Structures, Headers, Spoilers, Claddings, Glass Mechanisms, and Side Mirrors etc.. You will lead subsystem-level virtual validation, drive dynamic non-linear simulations, and mentor cross-functional teams to deliver lightweight, highly durable, and crash-worthy exterior systems.
Responsibilities- Lead Subsystem CAE Analysis: Own structural, strength, and durability CAE for exterior trims and moving mechanisms. Execute advanced linear, non-linear static, explicit dynamic, and transient impact simulations.
- Master Critical Failure Modes: Predict performance across key load cases, including low-speed/pendulum bumper impacts, vehicle jacking/hoisting, step loads, operational abuse/slamming, and dynamic high-speed wind loading.
- Predict Polymer Durability: Apply advanced non-linear material models to evaluate polymers, composites, and structural foams under thermal cycles. Predict creep, environmental stress cracking, snap-fit insertion/extraction mechanics, and joint fatigue.
- Drive Cross-Functional Project Delivery: Lead 1-2 concurrent, high-intensity projects-guiding small teams (3-5 people) of Design, Material, and Supplier engineers (onsite and offshore) to deliver simulation results within fast-paced vehicle program timelines.
- Correlate & Validate: Model complex joining methods (adhesives, clips, snap-fits, rivets, bolts) and correlate virtual models against physical component and subsystem test results to maximize predictive accuracy.
- Champion First Principles & Best Practices: Apply core engineering fundamentals to explain failure modes and mentor Design Engineers on developing lightweight countermeasures that balance structural rigidity, styling, NVH, and manufacturing constraints. Document and standardize group-wide CAE technical specifications.
Qualifications- Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Masters/Phd Preferred)
- 5+ Years of Automotive CAE experience (Time spent in a relevant Master's Degree or Doctoral program may count towards work experience)
- Software Mastery: Proven expertise in LS-DYNA and ABAQUS for non-linear, transient dynamic, and structural simulations. Proficiency in pre/post-processors (ANSA, HyperWorks, META).
- Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of polymer/composite mechanics, plastic part design guidelines, and kinematic mechanism structural integrity (stress/deformation of moving joints).
- Regulatory & Durability Context: Working knowledge of bumper impact standards (FMVSS Part 581, ECE R42), pedestrian protection, and vehicle-level Due Care durability targets (jacking, operational abuse, thermal cycling).
- Communication & Leadership: Demonstrated capability to explain complex technical concepts, risk assessments, and countermeasures clearly to drive cross-functional alignment.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience of leading exterior trim and mechanism subsystems from early architectural concepts through physical test correlation.
- Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization tools (LS-OPT, OptiStruct) for lightweighting.
Pay DisclosureThe salary range for this role is $121,500 - $151,900 for 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.
