Sr. CAE Engineer - Vehicle Hardware Engineering Integration & Automation

About Rivian

Rivianis 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.

Vehicle Hardware Engineering at Rivian is shifting from slow, traditional FEA iterations to real-time, AI-augmented physics modeling. We are looking for a Senior CAE Automation Leader to build the core Python frameworks, Physics AI models, and automated data pipelines that will shape how our next-generation vehicle platforms are engineered. Join us if you want to bridge the gap between deep structural mechanics and modern machine learning.

• Drive AI & Automation Strategy:
  Develop, drive, & implement AI & Automation strategy (Physics AI, Modsim, Python/MATLAB automation scripts, etc.) to accelerate VHE product development.
• Accelerate CAE Validation Delivery Cycles:
  Architect the next-generation CAE-SDVP execution framework to eliminate simulation bottlenecks and ensure zero-delay readiness for critical milestones like EIF.
• Unify Virtual & Physical Validation:
  Own the data pipeline connecting CAD design, FEA/CFD solvers, and physical crash/durability testing to build trust in virtual-first development.
• Automate Engineering Intelligence:
  Build automated, real-time analytics pipelines that translate raw simulation data into actionable risk assessments for executive leadership. Automate technical report generation processes to provide real-time visibility into performance gaps, simulation fidelity, and program risks.

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Masters/Phd Preferred)
• 5-8+ (preferred) years of experience in Automotive CAE with a history of Delivering complex programs.
• Time spent in a relevant Master's Degree program may count towards work experience
• Software Scripting & Automation:
  Hands-on coding proficiency in Python or MATLAB for engineering automation. Experience developing automation APIs, GUIs, or macros within common CAD/CAE environments (e.g., ANSA, Hyper Works, Catia).
• AI & Advanced Modeling:
  Practical experience implementing machine learning frameworks ( Scikit-learn, PyTorch, etc.) or creating Reduced Order Models (ROMs) to accelerate development cycles.
• CAE Core
  
  Competency:
  
  Understanding of structural/crash solvers (e.g., Abaqus, LS-DYNA). Experience in model build requirements, joint/fastener modeling, and correlating virtual results with physical component/subsystem test data.
• Regulatory & Compliance:
  Knowledge of safety/durability regulations (FMVSS, ECE, NCAP) and experience developing robust countermeasures to meet these requirements.
• Leadership &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Experience in leading technical teams and managing global, cross-functional projects and utilizing tools like Jira. Exceptional communication skills to present complex data pipelines and simulation results to executive leadership.

The salary range for this role is $121,500 - $151,900 for California 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 annual…