Senior Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Senior Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

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.

Rivian is looking for a Senior Vehicle Dynamics Engineer to join our Southern California-based team. In this role, you won't just be a passenger in the development process, you'll be the one shaping how our vehicles interact with the road (and the dirt). You will help bridge the gap between traditional mechanical hardware tuning and the software defined architectures with active chassis controls.

Your mission is to deliver the "Rivian DNA" driving experience.

Responsibilities:

• Passive Hardware Tuning:
  You are the architect of the vehicle's mechanical foundation. You will lead the development and testing for:
• Chassis Hardware:
  Tuning and optimizing springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings.
• Damper Tuning:
  Optimizing valve codes for passive damping to ensure a robust baseline.
• Tire Development:
  Evaluate tire submissions and guide the development process to achieve the full vehicle attribute targets.
• Active Systems Calibration:
  You will be responsible for calibrating the software logic that controls:
• Active Damping:
  Semi-active or fully active hydraulic control strategies.
• Air Suspension:
  Manage the ride heights and load leveling calibrations.
• Electronic Power Steering (EPS):
  Tuning steering feel and effort build.
• Testing & Evaluation:
  Travel on-site to support the various test locations utilized:
• Subjective Evaluations:
  Conduct ride comfort, limit handling, and off-road capability assessments. You must be able to translate a "feel" into actionable engineering direction.
• Objective Testing:
  Instrument vehicles and analyze data (VBox, Dewesoft, MATLAB) to validate performance against internal metrics.
• Virtual Integration:
  Work closely with the Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) Simulation team:
• Sim Synergy:
  Provide real-world subjective to objective correlation data to refine their models and use their virtual tuning results to hit the ground running during physical testing.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  3–5 years of automotive experience in vehicle dynamics or chassis development.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in data acquisition tools (CANape, Dewesoft, or similar). Familiarity with simulation software (Car Sim, Car Maker, or ADAMS) is a plus.
• Mindset:
  You thrive in the gray area where subjective meets objective. You are comfortable with rapid iteration and possess a deep passion for automotive tech.

Pay Disclosure:
The salary range for this role is $,900 for Southern California based applicants. 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.

Equal Opportunity:
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