Role Summary

As a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Plant Support) - Exteriors, you are the ultimate "boots on the ground" problem solver for our manufacturing plant. You will serve as the first line of defense and immediate responder for supplier-related issues on the production floor, focusing on exterior commodities-including body panels, fascias, lighting, glass, and trim-across our R1, R2, and EDV vehicle programs. Utilizing processes based on VDA and AIAG standards, you will collaborate directly with plant manufacturing, quality, stamping, and body-in-white teams to execute rapid containments, drive root cause analysis, and ensure production lines keep moving. This role is highly dynamic and requires a "wheels on shoes" mentality, especially as we scale up for the critical R2 launch.

Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Fast Response:

• Act as the primary responder for line calls related to exterior components, executing immediate containment actions to protect production velocity
• Triage and route supplier issues identified during Craftsmanship audits, gap/flush inspections, and Care line reviews to the correct stakeholders
• Generate Rivian Rapid Response initiatives to implement immediate, robust containment strategies for exterior cosmetic or structural defects within the plant
• Implement short-term and long-term countermeasures, including error-proofing (poka-yokes) and fixture adjustments, to resolve exterior part variations and plant roadblocks
• Author formal Rivian documentation, quality alerts, and non-conformance reports for supplier-related exterior issues

Launch Support & Problem Solving:

• Play a critical, hands-on role in the R2 launch, coordinating containment and resolving dimensional, fitment, and surface finish issues in real time
• Maintain flexibility to work extended or non-traditional hours as needed to support critical launch phases and production builds
• Perform rigorous root cause analysis (RCA) and drive 8D corrective actions for exterior part defects, paint/finish imperfections, and craftsmanship alignment failures
• Partner closely with component-specific Part SDEs to communicate plant-level dimensional or cosmetic trends, verify supplier corrective actions, and drive permanent clean points

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead regular fit-and-finish matrix reviews with cross-functional teams to establish actionable plans for improving overall vehicle perceived quality and exterior alignment
• Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant-level supplier quality
• Ensure all localized quality procedures and containment loops satisfy internal audits and customer requirements
• Train cross-functional plant teams on quality systems, dimensional tracking tools, and 8D problem-solving methodologies
• Conduct internal and process audits of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure strict plant compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of manufacturing, quality, or engineering-related experience in a fast-paced environment
• 1+ years of automotive supplier quality or quality engineering experience (direct experience with automotive exteriors, injection molding, stamping, or lighting is highly preferred)
• Expert-level understanding of GD&T, metrology, fixture verification, and engineering drawing interpretation to diagnose fit-and-flush issues
• Strong, practical knowledge of automotive quality processes, VDA/AIAG standards, and 8D problem-solving methods
• Proven ability to thrive in a highly dynamic, physically active plant environment (the "boots on the ground" mentality)
• Willingness and ability to work flexible, extended hours to support critical vehicle launches (e.g., R2)
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing and standard health and safety practices
• Excellent negotiation, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills
• Ability to travel to supplier facilities on short notice when localized escalation is required

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range for Illinois Based Applicants: The salary range for this position is $89,900 - $112,400 for Illinois 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.

Benefits Summary: 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 June 26, 2026.