Manufacturing Engineer - Battery

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 on a mission to redefine sustainable transportation and energy. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Staff Manufacturing Engineer to play a critical role in the development and implementation of our innovative battery manufacturing strategies, specifically within pack assembly conveyance and material flow, from initial concept through full‑scale production. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our battery platforms, contributing to prototype development, validation builds, and the establishment of robust manufacturing systems for pack assembly.

This highly cross‑functional role requires exemplary communication skills and the ability to effectively balance product design and manufacturing system objectives to ensure successful and scalable production of battery packs. This role is based at either our Atlanta, GA, Normal, IL or Irvine, CA facility and reports directly to the Manufacturing Manager of Pack Assembly & Automation.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of comprehensive material flow strategies for battery pack assembly, from initial concept through full‑scale production including interline conveyance, part presentation & dunnaging, NCM repair loops and operator lifting aides.
• Drive innovation to inter‑pack line conveyance and the standardization of high‑speed conveyance for Pack Assembly Lines, with a specific focus on improving station‑to‑station transfer times.
• Design and standardize robust pallet docking systems for both manual and automated assembly stations to ensure seamless and precise material transfer for high precision applications.
• Ensure full Conveyance Safety Compliance for all material handling systems, focusing on ingress/egress points, turn tables, safety guarding, and other critical conveyance zones.
• Lead Discrete Event Simulation (DES) activities to model, analyze, and optimize material flow, conveyance, and assembly processes, identifying bottlenecks and validating layout strategies.
• Provide in‑depth Design for Manufacture (DFM) feedback to Product Engineering, specifically concerning part design implications for efficient part presentation, racking, and packaging.
• Oversee and execute the NCM process flow strategy, including defining handling, storage, and transfer logistics for non‑conforming materials.
• Lead the selection, specification, and implementation of Lift Assists and other ergonomic material handling equipment for transferring components within the assembly process.

• BS/MS/PhD in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics (or equivalent)
• Hands‑on experience in building/troubleshooting automation systems and acquiring experimental data
• 7+ years experience in an automated manufacturing environment
• Able to work under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines of multiple simultaneous projects and challenges
• Strong problem‑solving skills and aptitude for learning systems quickly
• Communicate effectively with direct team and peers within a manufacturing and engineering organization. This includes exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented with strong record‑keeping and organizational skills
• Experience in complex electro‑mechanical system design
• Experience transitioning automated systems from prototype to production
• Experience with 2D & 3D software (AutoCAD, Solidworks, and Catia)
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally as required

The salary range for this role is $125,000–$157,000 for Illinois and Georgia based applicants, and $137,800–$172,200 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest…