Role Summary

As the lead staff mechanical engineer, you will drive the design of our next-generation Power Electronics Module from initial concept through to full-scale production. You will be responsible for designing critical components including busbars, metal housings, sealing interfaces, and HV/LV harnesses, from the ground up. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to resolve complex packaging challenges.

This position is based at our Torrance, CA facility and reports directly to the Sr. Mechanical Engineering
Manager.

Responsibilities

• Support the mechanical development of Power Electronics Modules using CATIA V6/3DEXPERIENCE
• Design and engineer a wide array of components, including high-pressure die castings, injection-molded plastics, busbars, sheet metal, high/low voltage harnesses, sealing interfaces, and PCBA mechanical integration
• Manage the full release cycle of mechanical components using ENOVIA, ensuring data integrity and design maturity
• Generate and maintain complex Top-Level Assembly Bills of Materials (BOM), ensuring all component attributes are captured with 100% accuracy
• Drive weekly technical reviews with suppliers to close open design items, manage timelines, and ensure DFM (Design for Manufacturing) alignment
• Act as the primary technical liaison for Supply Chain and Supplier Quality teams to resolve action items and maintain production schedules
• Author critical engineering documents, including Component Technical Specifications (CTS), Statements of Work (SOW) for sourcing, and detailed assembly manuals
• Lead the creation of DFMEAs and develop robust Design Verification (DV) test plans to ensure long-term product reliability
• Provide on-site support for pre-production lines, including the design of specialized mechanical test fixtures and assembly aids
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering to design, validate, and commission the production line on schedule
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for issues arising during prototype builds and scale-up
• Spearhead the root cause investigation of field failures related to mechanical assemblies, implementing design improvements to prevent recurrence

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline; Master's degree preferred
• 5+ years of engineering experience specifically in the development and packaging of Power Electronics assemblies
• Expert-level proficiency in CATIA V5 or V6 (3DEXPERIENCE), specifically within Part Design and Assembly Design workbenches
• Proven track record designing for diverse processes, including high-pressure die casting, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication
• Deep experience in the design of high-voltage busbars, HV/LV wire harnesses and sealing/gasket systems
• Practical knowledge of integrating components using laser welding, press-fit, soldering, heat staking and thermal interface materials (TIM)
• High proficiency in GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and experience developing DFMEA documents and system-level validation plans (Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal)
• Working knowledge of the ENOVIA Product Lifecycle Management environment
• Extensive experience managing external technical suppliers, ensuring quality and timeline adherence
• Demonstrated ability to use structured root-cause analysis techniques to identify and resolve complex component failures
• General knowledge of mechanical best practices for PCBA design and integration
• Prior experience in the Automotive industry (Tier 1 or OEM)
• Thrives in a fast-paced startup environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Visio, and the standard Office suite

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is USD 107,800-134,800 for Southern 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 July 27th, 2026.