Lubrication Engineer II, Driveline Systems

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.

• Develop lubrication strategies for electric drive units, gearboxes, differentials, and half shafts to meet durability, efficiency, NVH, and thermal targets across the full vehicle duty cycle. You will utilize first‑principles engineering—specifically in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Heat Transfer—to develop innovative component designs and system architectures from the ground up.
• Lead the design of lubrication system components such as pumps, filters, seals, and plastic injection‑molded components from concept to production release.
• Create component specifications with detailed design requirements and validation plans that support higher level lubrication system and drive unit requirements.
• Lead suppliers and the internal cross‑functional team to ensure components meet all design, manufacturing, commercial, quality, and service requirements. On‑site supplier support will be required during product launch.
• Document design best practices and lessons learned to support continuous improvement activities and streamline the product development cycle.
• Partner with System, DRE, Materials, Reliability, and Test teams to incorporate lubrication needs into design concepts, DFMEAs, validation plans, and design reviews.
• Design experiments and test equipment to support bench, rig, dyno, and vehicle tests focused on lubrication system and component performance.
• Analyze field and development test data to identify lubrication‑related issues (noise, wear, varnish, deposits, leaks) and drive robust root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Prepare clear technical documentation and reports, and present recommendations and trade‑offs to cross‑functional stakeholders and leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in lubrication engineering, component design, or closely related roles in automotive, off‑highway, industrial gearboxes, or similar applications.
• Strong CAD skills with experience in 3D parametric modeling, 2D drawing creation, and PLM systems (CATIA/ENOVIA preferred).
• Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards for radial and linear stackups.
• Familiarity with system analysis and simulation tools (e.g., FEA, MFA, CFD, SPH, or thermal/oil flow tools) is strongly preferred.
• Experience designing or reviewing validation plans and accelerated tests for lubrication performance based on vehicle duty cycles and environmental conditions.
• Experience in tribology, thin‑film lubrication theory, and lubricant formulation is a bonus.
• Ability to work independently, structure ambiguous problems, and drive decisions.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to clearly explain complex design and lubrication topics to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Hands‑on, data‑driven approach to problem solving, including root‑cause analysis of test or field issues and clear documentation of findings and next steps.
• A continuous‑learning mindset and curiosity to explore new technologies and manufacturing methods that improve efficiency, durability, and sustainability.

Salary Range Michigan‑Based Applicants: $78,200–$97,700 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits

Summary:

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.

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable…