Mechanical Engineer, Electric Machine Design

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions‑free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

In this position, you will be working with the Electric Machine Mechanical Design team on the next generation of electric motor components for Rivian’s Electric Adventure Vehicles. You will support design, release, testing and assembly of motor subcomponents and motor assemblies by completing packaging studies, concept development, prototype builds, releasing production parts along with associated assembly documentation for systems that are currently in‑production as well as for future products currently in‑development.

• Design sub‑systems and components for electric motors, including wound‑field motors, permanent magnet motors, and associated mechanical design.
• Generate & refine detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings of electro‑mechanical designs at a component and motor sub‑system level using CATIA V6.
• Conduct detailed stack‑up analyses for component and assembly mating interfaces to drive GD&T definition manufacturing requirements.
• Conduct a detailed review of all designs and drawings to confirm technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to design requirements.
• Develop detailed work instructions, assembly guidance, and related build documentation.
• Conduct analysis and validation of preliminary and detailed designs using analytical calculations and numerical methods, including finite element analysis (FEA), as needed.
• Collaborate and manage suppliers with DFM, DFA, and open issues lists to ensure on‑time delivery of parts and quality conformance according to the acceptance criteria.
• Author the development of component technical specifications, DVP&Rs, test & validation plans, and Statements of Work (SOW) as required.
• Design of motor assembly tooling and fixtures to support early build and testing activities.
• Ensure timely completion of all project deliverables, including designs, drawings, analyses, and other documentation as required.
• Lead a wide range of laboratory developmental activities from assembly builds to test and validation using a hands‑on approach.
• Lead root cause analysis studies to identify issue origin, determine appropriate containment plan, and permanent resolution for the issue.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with multi‑disciplinary teams to solve problems and ensure alignment.
• Ability to travel to supplier sites and Rivian manufacturing plants to support experimental studies, root cause investigations, and issue resolution.

• 8+ years of experience in Mechanical Design of complex systems and components, in a fast‑paced engineering‑driven environment.
• Formal education in Mechanical Engineering or a similar discipline; B.S. minimum, MS Preferred.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling; CATIA V6 experience preferred.
• Professional experience with applying GD&T (ASME Y14.5), conducting stack‑up analyses (linear & radial), and determining realistic tolerancing limits based on material and manufacturing methods.
• Ability to perform structural hand‑calculations and initial FEA studies to support sizing, loading cases, and design feasibility.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with technicians, manufacturing, process, design, and integration teams to solve problems.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, high‑volume manufacturing processes, materials selection, and supply chain.
• Hands‑on experience with lab tools, equipment, and measurement tools.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in the areas of materials, mechanics, dynamics, design for manufacturability, tolerancing, and high precision metrology.
• Experience leading root cause analysis efforts in defining the determining effective containment actions and proven permanent resolution.
• Lead DFMEA,…