Role Summary

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Exterior Trim you will own the design, development, and release of exterior trim systems and components (e.g., fascias, flares, claddings, rockers, underbody shields, MIC trims, appliques) across current and future Rivian programs. You will be accountable for delivering robust designs that meet cost, mass, quality, and timing targets while leading cross-functional alignment with Studio, Manufacturing, Quality,
Supplier Engineering, and Attributes teams.

You are expected to operate as a technical leader within the team: driving issue resolution to
root cause, leading supplier engagement, mentoring earlier-career engineers, and representing
Exterior Trim in key vehicle forums

Responsibilities

Product design & release

• Own the end-to-end design and release of exterior trim parts and assemblies (from
  concept through production), including CAD, drawing, and PLM ownership for assigned
  components.
• Apply first-principles mechanical engineering and DFM/DFA best practices for
  high-volume polymer and composite processes (e.g., injection molding, 2-shot,
  over-molding, compression molding).
• Balance A-surface design intent with engineering, manufacturing, and cost constraints;
  provide clear, data-driven feedback to Studio on feasibility and trade-offs.

Program execution & delivery

• Deliver exterior trim content to program cost, mass, and tooling targets; track gaps and
  drive closure with Purchasing, Cost, and suppliers
• Own engineering inputs to PFEP, PPAP readiness, and Design Validation Build, Manufacturing Validation builds and saleable build readiness, ensuring parts, tooling, and validation are on track to support build plans.
• Lead resolution of problems and quality issues related to exterior trim from early development through field, including root cause, containment, and permanent countermeasures in partnership with Manufacturing, Quality, and Service

Validation & quality

• Develop and maintain DVP&R for your components and sub-systems; ensure test
  coverage vs. requirements and manage test execution with Validation and suppliers.
• Interpret validation, plant, and field data to improve design robustness (e.g., fit/finish,
  DVAC, PIST, BSR, durability, corrosion, water management).
• Contribute to and use DFMEAs and lessons-learned to prevent recurrence of known
  failure modes across programs and parts.

Cross-functional leadership

• Lead cross-functional discussions with Body, Closures, Studio, Manufacturing,
  Supplier Engineering, Quality, and Attributes to converge on feasible, high-quality
  solutions for exterior trim issues and change requests (e.g., PCCR, SURFCR, RBCM).
• Represent Exterior Trim status and risk in program reviews, clearly articulating issues,
  options, and recommendations.
• Provide technical mentorship and day-to-day guidance to RIV 3-4 engineers and
  designers on good design practice, process, and Rivian ways of working.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's preferred).
• 5+ years or relevant experience in automotive exterior systems (trim, fascias, claddings,
  underbody, appliques, or similar).
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD (e.g., CATIA / 3DEXPERIENCE or similar) for complex
  plastic parts and assemblies, including sectioning, GD&T, and tolerance stacks.
• Demonstrated experience taking components from concept through SOP in a
  high-volume manufacturing environment, including supplier collaboration and launch
  support at plant.
• Proven ability to drive root-cause problem solving and implement robust permanent
  countermeasures within program timing constraints.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex
  issues and influence cross-functional decisions.

Preferred:

• Direct experience with MIC exterior trim, wheel arch and rocker systems, underbody
  shields, claddings, and liftgate closeouts, including cost/mass optimization and RC
  burn-down.
• Familiarity with polymer material selection for exterior applications (PP, TPO, PC/ABS,
  POM, LGF, ASA) and collaboration with material and resin suppliers.
• Experience authoring or maintaining DVP&R, DFMEA, and PFEP for exterior systems.
• Exposure to global regulatory and customer requirements that impact exterior trim
  (impact, pedestrian protection, corrosion, water management, NVH, IQS/VOC).

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $107,800 - $134,800 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.