Sr. Design Release Engineer, Drive Unit Differentials

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.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Design Release Engineer (DRE) – Differentials to lead the differential requirements establishment, technical development, integration, and release of differential systems / technologies for our next-generation vehicles  this role, you will be the technical lead for differential technologies across multiple vehicle powertrain drive unit programs—spanning Open, Limited Slip (eLSD/LSD), Locking, and Disconnecting Differentials / Disconnect Unit architectures.

You will bridge the gap between concept design, supplier management, vehicle integration, and mass production, ensuring high torque efficiency, NVH refinement, and optimized range for our electric drive trains.

Plymouth, MI (On-Site)

Drivetrain & Powertrain Engineering

Full-Time

• Author and manage Rivian Statement of Requirements (SOR) for Drive Unit Differential technologies, lead supplier compliance assessment to SOR thru sourcing; as well as Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), Bill of Materials (BOMs), and technical specifications within PLM software (e.g., Teamcenter, Enovia).
• Work cross-functionally purchasing and technical program manager (TPM) members, lead/support supplier technical reviews, technical assessments, and compliance to SOR.
• Use Pugh Matrix and document adherence to requirements, risk assessment, and technical recommendation. Work cross functionally with purchasing and technical program manager (TPM) members.
• Manage the full product lifecycle from concept (CAD geometry) through Design Validation (DV), Process Validation (PV), launch, and continuous improvement.

• For electro-mechanical systems, partner with Software & Controls teams to optimize disconnect actuators, and seamless front/rear axle disconnect strategies for maximum BEV efficiency. Lead collaboration for Rivian advanced technology exploration such as eLSD.
• Collaborate with NVH & Efficiency teams to minimize gear whine, mesh friction, and drag losses inherent to high-RPM electric motors.
• Work closely with Drive Unit Manufacturing & Assembly engineers to ensure Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA).

• Direct tier-1 suppliers on component development, tooling timelines, cost targets, and quality deliverables.
• Lead engineering risk assessments including DFMEA, DVP&R, and Boundary Diagrams.
• Root-cause technical issues during prototype builds, dyno testing, track validation, and field operations using 8D / 5-Why methodologies.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  5+ years of hands‑on experience in drivetrain, axle, or transmission engineering, with specific focus on differential design/release.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, NX) and PLM systems.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical differential architectures:
• Open Differentials (bevel/planetary gear sets)
• Limited‑Slip Differentials (clutch‑pack, mechanical, eLSD)
• Disconnect Systems (dog‑clutches, electromechanical actuators, free‑wheeling units)

• Stro…