Responsibilities- Develop lubrication strategies for electric drive units, gearboxes, differentials, and half shafts to meet durability, efficiency, NVH, and thermal targets across the full vehicle duty cycle.
- Utilize first-principles engineering-specifically in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Heat Transfer-to develop innovative component designs and system architectures from the ground up.
- Lead the design of lubrication system components such as pumps, filters, seals, and plastic injection molded components from concept to production release.
- Create component specifications with detailed design requirements and validation plans that support higher level lubrication system and drive unit requirements.
- Lead suppliers and the internal cross functional team to ensure components meet all design, manufacturing, commercial, quality, and service requirements. On-site supplier support will be required during product launch.
- Document design best practices and lessons learned to support continuous improvement activities and streamline the product development cycle.
- Partner with System, DRE, Materials, Reliability, and Test teams to incorporate lubrication needs into design concepts, DFMEAs, validation plans, and design reviews.
- Design experiments and test equipment to support bench, rig, dyno, and vehicle tests focused on lubrication system and component performance.
- Analyze field and development test data to identify lubrication-related issues (noise, wear, varnish, deposits, leaks) and drive robust root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Prepare clear technical documentation and reports, and present recommendations and trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
- Master's degree preferred.
- General: 5+ years of relevant experience in lubrication engineering, component design, or closely related roles in automotive, off-highway, industrial gearboxes, or similar applications.
- CAD & PLM: Strong CAD skills with experience in 3D parametric modeling, 2D drawing creation, and PLM systems (CATIA/ENOVIA preferred).
- Standards: Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards for radial and linear stackups.
- Simulation: Familiarity with system analysis and simulation tools (e.g., FEA, MFA, CFD, SPH, or thermal/oil flow tools) is strongly preferred.
- Validation: Experience designing or reviewing validation plans and accelerated tests for lubrication performance based on vehicle duty cycles and environmental conditions.
- Tribology: Experience in tribology, thin-film lubrication theory, and lubricant formulation is a bonus.
- Ability to work independently, structure ambiguous problems, and drive decisions.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to clearly explain complex design and lubrication topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Hands-on, data-driven approach to problem solving, including root-cause analysis of test or field issues and clear documentation of findings and next steps.
- A continuous-learning mindset and curiosity to explore new technologies and manufacturing methods that improve efficiency, durability, and sustainability.
Location- Plymouth, MI (13250 N. Haggerty Road) or other Rivian development centers as business needs evolve.
Pay DisclosureSalary Range Michigan-Based Applicants: $98,500-$123,100 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
