Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer

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. Role Summary As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in underhood thermal performance and integration. You will own front-end airflow requirements, vehicle-level Active Grille Shutter (AGS) strategy, overall underhood thermal performance, and final vehicle-level validation for all vehicle programs.

With your expertise and experience, you will link vehicle-level thermal and charging performance requirements to underhood airflow volume and temperature targets. You will work with cross-functional teams to drive the design of front-end openings, AGS, duct optimization, sealing, and ORFM. Your work will ensure performance targets are met and validated through program milestones and final Design Verification Plans (DVPs). This role is pivotal in fostering cross-functional alignment and resolving complex engineering challenges related to thermal optimization and vehicle efficiency.

Responsibilities
• Lead vehicle level thermal benchmark activities with a focus on front end design, AGS strategy, airflow, and thermal architecture
• Drive the overall integration of front-end and underhood thermal performance with stakeholders in Design Studio, Aerodynamics, Thermal Engineering, and Controls.
• Establish front-end airflow targets using a deep understanding of thermal system architecture to ensure all charging and performance goals are met.
• Interface with cross-functional teams to develop and align on coherent vehicle level AGS strategies to meet targets from all related vehicle attributes, e.g., performance, efficiency, stone protection
• Responsible for underhood thermal DVPs for both stationary and dynamic cases on both airflow volume and temperature requirements
• Data analysis for vehicle level testing especially on ORFM airflow, temperature pickup, front end air-recirculation, etc.
• Work with cross-functional simulation teams to review 3D CFD and 1D vehicle simulation results
• Collaborate with 1D thermal simulation teams to further improve the accuracy of front- end heat exchanger performance
• Support Vehicle level testing in wind tunnel Qualifications
• Engineering Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited University with a strong background in Thermal Science
• 10+ years of experience with automotive thermal attributes, systems, and components at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier
• Expert-level understanding of vehicle AGS, airflow duct and ORFM at both system and vehicle levels.
• Strong fundamentals of heat-transfer and thermodynamic devices like heat exchangers, compressors, valves, pumps, fans, and heaters along with their subsystem and system- level interactions.
• Hands-on experience on automotive airflow measurement with Torrington or similar devices.
• Experience with CFD software and simulation (Element, Powerflow, StarCCM+, Fluent)
• Experience with 1D simulation tools such like GT Suite, Matlab / Simulink
• Knowledge on HVAC and Cabin systems is a plus
• Knowledge and experience on brake cooling is a plus
• Thermal chamber/Climatic wind tunnel testing experience is a great plus
• Expert knowledge of HV battery, Electrified Drive unit and Power Electronics is a great plus
• Deep knowledge of thermal drive cycles and hand on test experience is a great plus
• Experience in vehicle engineering and attributes is desired
• Proven track record of problem solving and independent root cause analysis
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skill
• Travel: 25%
• Must have a valid driver's license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role…