Full Job Description
Role Summary
Rivian seeks a Staff Design & Release Engineer to conduct development and end-to-end
engineering release for interior trim systems across the vehicle interior. This role will serve as
the design and release owner for interior trim components, integrating design intent, packaging,
appearance, ergonomics, manufacturing feasibility, quality, cost, and timing into robust
production-ready solutions.
The ideal candidate brings 7-10+ years of automotive or relevant product-development
experience, strong knowledge of interior-trim systems, and a demonstrated ability to develop
complex work through ambiguity. This person will be a trusted cross-functional partner who uses
first-principles problem-solving, sound engineering judgment, and clear communication to drive
decisions and deliver high-quality products.
Responsibilities
• Own design and release activities from early concept and package definition through
detailed design, validation, tooling, production launch, and post-launch issue resolution.
• Develop and manage system-level requirements, interfaces, master sections,
gap-and-flush strategy, attachment concepts, tolerances, material transitions, and
assembly interfaces.
• Lead cross-functional alignment with Industrial Design, Packaging, Ergonomics, Body,
BIW, Restraints, HVAC, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering, Supplier Quality,
Purchasing, Program Management, and other partner teams.
• Translate vehicle-level requirements and design intent into feasible, manufacturable,
serviceable, and robust trim solutions.
• Drive issue resolution using first-principles engineering, structured problem solving, data,
and clear trade-off analysis.
• Lead design reviews, technical working sessions, risk assessments, and
decision-making forums; clearly communicate recommendations, risks, and required
actions.
• Create and maintain engineering release deliverables, including CAD, drawings,
specifications, GD&T, tolerance studies, BOMs, change documentation, and validation
plans.
• Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams to develop tooling, processes, assembly
methods, and quality controls that meet Rivian requirements.
• Ensure designs meet targets for fit, finish, appearance, perceived quality, function,
durability, safety, weight, cost, timing, and manufacturability.
• Support build events, prototype evaluations, vehicle-level integration, test activities,
launch readiness, and root-cause analysis of production or field issues.
• Establish scalable engineering standards, best practices, and reusable design
approaches for future interior-trim programs.
• Mentor engineers and influence technical direction without relying solely on formal
authority.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design
Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree is a plus.
• 7+ years (preferred) of experience in automotive engineering, vehicle interiors, trim
systems, product development, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading the design and release of automotive interior
components or systems from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of interior-trim construction, materials, attachment strategies,
tolerance stack-up, gap-and-flush, appearance requirements, and manufacturing
processes.
• Experience with 3D CAD, engineering drawings, GD&T, change management, BOM
structures, and product data-management systems.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional engineering work and resolve competing
requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong first-principles problem-solving skills, including the ability to decompose
ambiguous problems, identify root causes, and make technically sound decisions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including the ability to
communicate effectively with senior leaders, design teams, suppliers, and manufacturing
partners.
• Demonstrated ownership, organization, and follow-through across multiple priorities and
aggressive program timelines.
Pay Disclosure
The salary range for this role is $137,800 - $172,200 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.
