Sr. Simulation Engineer, Factory Design at Rivian Illinois

Role Summary

The Factory Design & Simulation team is at the core of Rivian's mission to redefine the future of automotive manufacturing. By turning industrial strategy into optimized value streams, we enable production of market-leading EVs  part of Digital Manufacturing Engineering & Automation, we create standardized tools and processes for throughput and material flow simulations.

In this highly collaborative role, you will use discrete event simulation (DES) to guide factory design from early concepts to full operation. Partnering with industrial strategy, vertical, and integration teams, you'll define throughput architecture, establish buffer requirements, and create DES standards to ensure system designs achieve required production rates.

Your responsibilities extend from executing simulations throughout the design process to identifying bottlenecks during production ramp-up and validation against actual production.

This position is located at our Normal, IL facility or Plymouth, MI and relocation is mandatory.

• Build discrete event simulation models for various parts of the manufacturing or logistic process – Body, Paint, Drive Unit, Battery, and General Assembly, Supply Chain.
• Manage multiple integrators and integrate their deliverables into shop and factory models.
• Develop decision‑making frameworks with quantifiable tradeoffs for the entire factory or individual manufacturing processes.
• Optimize plant layouts by analyzing throughput capabilities, bottlenecks, buffer sizing, and material routing.
• Collaborate with the Automation & Controls team to collect and subsequently incorporate real‑world data to validate models and suggest improvements.
• Develop and sustain digital twin models to effectively test and validate the designs of manufacturing systems.
• Co‑develop standards for discrete event simulation models, including development of a library of simulation assets with properties and performance characteristics.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial or manufacturing engineering with a focus on applying discrete event simulation to enhance process efficiency.
• Extremely proficient with discrete‑event simulation tools.
• Familiarity with creating new features and modules within discrete event simulation platforms using Flex Script, Simtalk, C++, and/or Python.
• Knowledge of statistics, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills and ability to manage several projects at the same time in a highly variable and uncertain environment.
• A track record of quantitatively resolving ambiguous, systems‑level problems.
• Effective written and verbal communication at all organizational levels.
• A positive attitude paired with strong work ethics aligned to Rivian’s mission and compass values.

• Experience in General Assembly or Paint shop.
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and data visualization/analysis tools like Tableau or SQL.
• Experience working with layout designs in AutoCAD.

The salary range for this role is $98,500-$123,000 for Illinois and Michigan based applicants. 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

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candi