Sr. Thermal Series Engineer at Rivian Illinois

Sr. Thermal Series Engineer job inois.

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.

The Thermal/HVAC Engineering Team is in search of a mechanical engineer who desires to be front and center in producing one of the most critical systems in an electric vehicle to achieve comfort and proper thermal management; the HVAC and Thermal system. In this role, we are looking for a candidate who is hands‑on, well‑organized, can collaborate cross‑functionally with ease, and can use first principles to drive continuous design improvements to a given component or system.

As a Sr. Thermal Series Engineer for Thermal/HVAC Systems, you will specifically be responsible for acting as a front‑line liaison to the DRE team of AC lines, HVAC modules, compressors, ORFM (outside heat exchanger, Radiator, Fan Module), and refrigerant manifolds that are used in serial production at Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Normal, IL.

This opportunity will allow you to grow in the mechanical space by root‑causing functional and component‑related issues impacting a Thermal/HVAC system. The ideal candidate will build upon previous experience to lead continuous improvement projects, as well as manage suppliers for change implementation and issue resolution identified at the Rivian Production line. The first three months in this role will support travel to suppliers (mostly in Mexico) to learn about individual components and supplier processes, preparing for the R2 launch.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Design release team, Manufacturing, Quality, Reliability, Vendors within Global Supply Chain, etc.) to identify issues, drive resolution, and implement changes
• Continued optimization of the Thermal/HVAC system, subassembly, and components, and detailed impacts to cost and mass
• Responsible for working with Suppliers, Quality, Launch Teams, and Material Planning to maintain ramp rate through launch for issue resolution
• Lead issue review with Internal with design teams
• Support Change Management and plant trials
• Prepare rework plans and quality requirements for rework
• Support Thermal/HVAC system teardown efforts for factory and field failures
• Support supplier engagement activities to drive home changes, monitor line audits, and manage part qualifications

• Must have a bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of industry experience or a master’s degree with 3+ years of industry experience
• Experience with Thermal/HVAC system design and electrical components
• Understanding of thermal system architectures and system requirements
• Understanding and execution of root cause and corrective action
• Knowledge of statistics and data analysis
• Strong understanding of high-volume manufacturing processes and equipment
• Strong collaboration skills with Tier 1 Suppliers, Design, Manufacturing, Reliability, and Quality Engineers
• Experience with CAD design and GD&T
• Experience with automotive DVP&R cycle, requirements management, and issue tracking – JIRA, JAMA, IQ‑RM, Plato
• Proficiency with CATIA V6 (3
  
  Dx) and Enovia
• Ability to travel internationally to suppliers 20~40% of the time in the first 3 months, limited travel afterwards

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, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candi