Lead Engineer Supplier Development - Exteriors & Lighting

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. We build emissions‑free electric adventure vehicles and seek curious, courageous souls. We constantly challenge what’s possible, reframe old problems, and operate in unknown areas. Our diverse background shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

The Rivian Supply Chain team seeks a Lead Engineer Supplier Development. You will be an advanced individual contributor and subject‑matter expert responsible for the complete supplier quality lifecycle, from initial sourcing to ongoing business management. You will lead resolution of complex manufacturing issues, partner with cross‑functional leadership, mitigate high‑impact risks, mentor technical staff, and influence critical sourcing decisions. This position is based onsite in Plymouth, Michigan with a 30–40% domestic and international travel requirement.

Reports to the Senior Manager of Supplier Development.

• Own the complete “Cradle to Grave” supplier quality lifecycle to ensure seamless production ramps; manage critical CL0 and CL1 suppliers and resolve failures to mitigate risks or delays.
• Lead the analysis of complex problems and datasets to derive actionable results; apply robust problem‑solving tools to address systemic issues across the supply base.
• Lead high‑complexity APQP/PPAP projects impacting major program milestones; optimize supplier quality KPIs to predict and prevent future failures.
• Act as a key advisor to program leadership, presenting and defending strategic recommendations in high‑stakes forums; drive systemic cross‑functional change using first principles.
• Operate as a leader with minimal manager input, holding accountability for supplier and cross‑functional team performance; manage complex workloads in high‑pressure situations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field and a minimum of 6 years of supplier development experience.
• Full understanding of the procurement end‑to‑end lifecycle and experience managing high‑risk supplier portfolios.
• Experience in automotive lighting, exterior components, A‑Class surface parts with gloss and color requirements, and manufacturing processes such as injection and blow molding and sheet metal forming (highly preferred).
• Primary owner of the business case and execution for significant process improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to facilitate productive conversations and gain buy‑in.
• Expert analysis and recommendations that directly influence critical sourcing decisions and capital investments.
• Operates as a leader with minimal manager input, holding accountability for supplier/cross‑functional teams; navigates high‑pressure situations by solving problems beyond the defined scope.
• Regular domestic and international travel averaging 30‑40% of the time.

The salary range for this role is $114,100 – $142,600 for Plymouth, Michigan based applicants. Successful candidates may be eligible for an annual performance bonus and equity awards. Rivian offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of life, medical, dental, vision, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability insurance to eligible employees. Additional benefits include participation in a 401(k) Plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Program for qualified employees.

Full‑time coverage is effective on day one; part‑time coverage is effective on the first of the month following 90 days of employment.

Rivian is an equal‑opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender identity, genetic information or protected characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital or domestic partner status, age, military or veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.