Group Leader, AGV Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

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 Group Leader for our AGV Maintenance and Continuous Improvement team supporting operations in Normal, IL. The Continuous Improvement Group Lead is responsible for managing, coaching, and developing a cross‑functional team of technical personnel across their shift. This role ensures operational excellence by driving daily execution of repairs, preventive maintenance, prototype builds, fabrication, lean flow activities, minimizing production downtime, and maintaining a high standard of safety, quality, and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Direct Supervision:
  Manage and provide leadership to Shift Team Leaders, Technicians, and Team Members.
• Talent Development:
  Responsible for onboarding, ongoing training, technical development, and performance evaluations of Technicians and Team members.
• Coaching & Culture:
  Lead, coach, and develop our AGV, Repair, Fabrication, Lean Flow, and PIV technicians to foster a high‑performing, accountable, and supportive team culture.
• Hands‑on Support:
  Master all technical processes and assignments within the department, maintaining the ability to step in and support tasks directly as needed.

• Daily Maintenance Management:
  Own shift‑level execution for all AGV, Material Supply Equipment Repair, Fabrication, Lean Flow, and PIV maintenance, including emergency break‑fix repairs, preventive maintenance (PM), routine inspections, and equipment recovery.
• Workload Prioritization:
  Dynamically prioritize technician assignments based on safety, ergonomics, production impact, equipment health, and open faults.
• Technical Troubleshooting:
  Support complex troubleshooting of AGV system issues across mechanical, electrical, controls, sensor, and software components; elevate to vendors or engineering teams when necessary.
• Quality Assurance:
  Ensure all inspections, calibrations, prototype builds, adjustments, and component replacements are completed to exact quality standards and thoroughly documented.

• Stakeholder Alignment:
  Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Material supply managers, Process and Manufacturing Engineers to coordinate maintenance schedules, minimize operational disruption, and align on support needs.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Actively support and participate in pilot programs, Gemba walks, safety walks and engineering improvements.
• Financial Control:
  Monitor, track, and manage capital and expense spending on the shift to ensure budget compliance.

• Maintenance:
  Strong industrial maintenance and repair experience in a manufacturing or automated production environment is preferred.
• Automation Systems:
  Experience with AGV, AMR, or other automated material handling systems is preferred.
• Troubleshooting:
  Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment across mechanical, electrical, controls, sensors, and software interfaces.
• Technical Documentation:
  Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals, and other technical documentation is preferred.
• Software Proficiency:
  Working knowledge of CAD, Microsoft, and Google programs.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Experience with continuous improvement processes, including, but not limited to Lean Flow, Fabrication, Repair and Power Industrial Vehicle (PIV).

• Leadership
  
  Experience:
  
  Prior leadership, team lead, or group leader experience preferred, with the ability to motivate teams, drive best practices, and deliver shift‑level results.
• Team Development:
  Strong leadership skills with a proven track…