Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Electro Mechanical

Advanced Manufacturing 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.

The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (AME) will play a critical role in bringing Rivian's cutting-edge electromechanical assemblies from design to high-volume production. This individual will be a key interface between our internal design teams, contract manufacturers (CMs), and equipment suppliers, ensuring that our products are manufactured on time, at high yield, reliably, and cost-effectively. This role will be equal parts design for manufacturing, automation development, supplier engagement, and industrialization efforts.

Design for Manufacturing:

• Work side by side with mechanical design engineers to ensure manufacturability of electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Provide early and ongoing manufacturing involvement to ensure new products meet design requirements.
• Develop design rules that align with vendor and contract manufacturer (CM) capabilities.
• Ensure product designs align with the operational capabilities and manufacturing processes of external partners.

Automation and Process Development:

• Drive process optimizations and efficiency improvements through state-of-the-art automation.
• Provide direction and mentorship to third-party machine/automation suppliers and CMs as the primary technical leader.
• Organize cross-functional reviews of machine requirements, equipment designs, and system capabilities.
• Drive machine qualification including correlation, process capability (Cp/Cpk), and Gage Repeatability / Reproducibility (GR&R).

Supplier Engagement and Industrialization:

• Act as the primary technical liaison with contract manufacturers and key suppliers for electro-mechanical assemblies, both domestically and internationally.
• Evaluate and approve manufacturing processes, fixtures, and tooling to ensure robust process validation and production readiness (NPI).
• Define and implement robust methodologies for workmanship, maintenance, and data retention (traceability) with CMs.
• Drive yield improvement initiatives, implement process controls, and lead root cause analysis/corrective actions for quality issues.
• Implement data-driven approaches to identify and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks to ensure CM capacity meets production requirements.
• Communicate project status, technical risks, and mitigation plans effectively across cross-functional teams and leadership.

Bachelor's degree (or greater) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.

7+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, industrialization, or DFM roles, with a strong focus on manufacturing automation, precision assembly, and tooling development.

Experience with precision mechanical joining (dispensing, mechanical fasteners, structural adhesives, welding) and molding/casting processes.

Experience with thermal interface materials and application methods.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.

Knowledge of failure analysis techniques (e.g., Optical Inspection, X-Ray, CSAM, SEM, EDS, FTIR, TDM, Cross-Section).

Proficient in 3D CAD (e.g., CATIA, Solid Works, NX), GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis for complex assemblies.

Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., IPC, JEDEC, ASTM, IEEE).

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners.

Ability to travel frequently to support supplier and CM activities and team development.

Experience in the automotive, consumer electronics, or similar high-reliability product industries is highly desirable.

The salary range for this role is $154,000 - $192,500 for Irvine, CA-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 an 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…