Sr. Supplier Development Engineer , Interior, Chassis, and Thermal

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 Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Plant Support) - Interior, Chassis & Thermal, you are the ultimate "boots on the ground" problem solver for our manufacturing plant. You will serve as the first line of defense and immediate responder for supplier-related issues on the production floor, focusing on a broad portfolio that includes interior components (seating, instrument panels, trims, and consoles) alongside chassis systems, suspension, brakes, HVAC, and thermal management across our R1, R2, and EDV vehicle programs.

Utilizing processes based on VDA and AIAG standards, you will collaborate directly with plant manufacturing, quality, and production control teams to execute rapid containments, drive root cause analysis, and ensure production lines keep moving. This role is highly dynamic and requires a "wheels on shoes" mentality, especially as we scale up for the critical R2 launch.

Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Fast Response:

• First Responder: Act as the primary responder for line calls related to interior, chassis, and thermal components, executing immediate containment actions to protect the production line.
• Issue Triage: Evaluate and route supplier issues identified during End of Line (EOL) dynamic testing, fluid fills, leak tests, torque verifications, fit-and-finish inspections, and BSR (Buzz, Squeak, Rattle) reviews to the correct stakeholders.
• Rapid Containment: Generate Rapid Response initiatives to implement immediate, robust containment strategies for supplier issues within the plant.
• Countermeasures: Implement short-term and long-term countermeasures, including error-proofing (poka-yokes), to resolve supplier defects (from dimensional fitment and aesthetics to mechanical failures) and eliminate plant roadblocks.
• Documentation: Author formal internal documentation, quality alerts, and non-conformance reports for supplier-related issues.

Launch Support & Problem Solving:

• Launch Execution: Play a critical, hands-on role in the R2 launch, coordinating containment and resolving complex component issues in real-time.
• Root Cause Analysis: Perform rigorous root cause analysis (RCA) and drive 8D corrective actions for a wide variety of defects, including cosmetic/surface anomalies, fluid leaks, torque failures, and dimensional gap/flush issues.
• Supplier Collaboration: Partner closely with component-specific Part SDEs to communicate plant-level issues, verify supplier corrective actions, and drive permanent clean points at the source.
• Flexibility: Maintain flexibility to work extended or non-traditional hours as needed to support critical launch phases and production builds.

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement:

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead regular inspection and teardown meetings to establish actionable plans for improving overall build, structural, aesthetic, and functional quality.
• Metrics & KPIs: Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant-level supplier quality.
• Training & Auditing: Train cross-functional plant teams on quality systems, procedural applications, and 8D problem-solving methodologies. Conduct internal audits of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure strict plant compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of manufacturing, quality, or engineering-related experience in a fast-paced environment.
• 1+ years of automotive supplier quality or quality engineering experience. Direct experience with automotive interiors (injection molding, soft trim, seating), chassis systems, or thermal/HVAC systems is highly preferred.
• Strong, practical knowledge of automotive quality processes, VDA/AIAG standards, and 8D problem-solving methods.
• Solid understanding of mechanical assemblies, interior fit-and-finish standards, fluid dynamics, and torque strategies.
• Solid understanding of Metrology, Inspection Methods, GD&T, and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Proven ability to thrive in a highly dynamic, physically active plant environment (the "boots on the ground" mentality) with a strong background in Lean Manufacturing and standard health and safety practices.
• Excellent negotiation, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Willingness to work flexible, extended hours to support vehicle launches and ability to travel to supplier facilities on short notice when localized escalation is required.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range for Illinois Based Applicants: The salary…