Sr. Sustaining Reliability Engineer

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.

Reliability is at the core of Electric Adventure Vehicles. We are looking for engineers who have experience in driving reliability improvements for products in the field throughout their lifecycle by working closely with design, validation and manufacturing teams on solving technical problems along the way to make the most robust products. If some of the first things that come to your mind when looking at a complex design is “what are the ways this thing can fail and how can I make it better?”

then, we are looking for you!

As a Sustaining Reliability Engineer, you will play a key role in maintaining the reliability of Rivian's HV Battery, Drive Unit, Low Voltage Electrical, and High Voltage Electrical systems from start of production through the product life cycle.

• Define and oversee ongoing reliability testing requirements for components, subsystems, and assemblies by leveraging established quality and reliability targets.
• Analyze Design and Production FMEAs to derive comprehensive ongoing reliability testing plans for serial production, ensuring sustained product reliability throughout the lifecycle.
• Collaborate with the reliability team to engineer accelerated test requirements that guarantee product quality and reliability across the entire production lifecycle.
• Develop and specify reliability validation plans for critical components and subsystems utilizing a robust physics-of-failure methodology.
• Determine optimal sample sizes and test durations for reliability validation programs using statistical analysis and reliability modeling.
• Lead root cause failure analysis (RCFA) for testing-related failures, driving cross-functional resolution and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage partnerships with internal and external testing facilities to execute and oversee complex ongoing reliability testing programs.
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments throughout the reliability program lifecycle and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Field Reliability and Failure Analysis teams to integrate critical lessons learned into future product designs and development cycles.

• Bachelor of Science in an engineering discipline or equivalent; one or more years of industry experience in a reliability engineering role is preferred (level commensurate with experience).
• Strong technical background with a passion for reliability engineering.
• Proficiency in Ongoing Reliability Testing, Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS), and applying governing equations to various failure mechanisms.
• Experience utilizing DFMEAs and PFMEAs to ensure continuous product reliability.
• Solid understanding of the physics of failure, particularly for mechanical and structural components, including fracture mechanics and materials science.
• Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis techniques and test program development.
• Working knowledge of a coding language (Python preferred) and statistical reliability software (e.g., JMP or the Relia Soft suite).
• A desire to contribute to a respectful, fun, inclusive, and inspiring team culture.

The salary range for this role is $146,900 - $183,600 for Palo Alto, CA 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 performance bonus and equity awards.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term…