Process Engineer, Drive Unit

Job Description:

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.

Rivian is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Process Engineer to optimize our manufacturing processes and uphold the highest standards of product quality. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between process efficiency and quality assurance, driving continuous improvement initiatives and ensuring compliance with industry standards and internal specifications. This role is critical to maintaining high yields, reducing waste, and delivering reliable products to our customers.

The Process Engineer position at Rivian will support our Drive Unit production and report to the Process Engineering Manager. Shift Flexibility is required for these engineers.

• Coordinate engineering changes and new program launches
• Review, interpret, and summarize statistical data to drive process improvement
• Determine the ‘Best Practice’ process approach of material, tooling, equipment, and labor process
• Develop work instructions, standardized work, process flow, and process documentation to ensure manufacturing process is being followed
• Work with design engineering team to develop and establish a design that lends itself to high volume production while ensuring quality during the manufacturing process
• Work with manufacturing engineering team to commission and optimize next generation drive unit/propulsion assembly equipment
• Perform time analysis using a standard motion time system (MODAPTS), estimate production times, manage staffing requirements, manage labor costs, and drive line balancing
• Support production teams through process and equipment related troubleshooting and continuous improvement
• Develop recovery/troubleshooting best practices and procedures for production team to increase equipment availability
• Investigate assembly issues and implement solutions by reviewing product design, established processes, and equipment/tooling effectiveness
• Monitor Quality KPI and develop action items to reduce cost with cross functional teams

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in engineering discipline.
• Prefer 1-3 years engineering experience in a high‑volume manufacturing operation, preferably automotive and/or drive unit/propulsion manufacturing.
• Availability to work 2nd/night shift.
• Must have good communication skills — both verbal and written.
• Hands‑on experience with supporting production equipment (Mechanical, electrical, control systems, automation, robotics, etc.).
• Experience in using 2D & 3D Modeling tools (AutoCAD, CATIA/ENOVIA).
• Experience and/or Knowledge in DOE, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerance, Torque Tooling, Error Proofing, and PFMEA.
• Experience and/or certification in Six Sigma DMAIC, Lean Assembly Principles, Time Studies using MTM or MODAPTS.
• Working knowledge in Excel, Word, Power point, and Outlook programs.
• Creative problem‑solving skills.
• Strong team orientation and cross‑functional attitude.
• Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma etc experience is a plus.
• Ability to stand for 8‑12 hours per day.
• Required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 25 pounds.

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Illinois Based Applicants: $78,200‑97,700 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full‑time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.

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 .

Rivian