Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Seat Soft Trim

About Us

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.

As a member of the seat development team for the most adventurous vehicles on the planet, you will focus on the prototyping, design, and industrialization of seat assemblies, with a specialization in soft trim covers

• Provide in Depth technical guidance for Seat Soft Trim Development and Production.
• Collaborating with the program engineering team to lead the development of innovative and robust solutions for trim covers, foams, and complete seats that embody the Rivian brand experience in both the analytical and physical space.
• Leading the development for trim cover manufacturing and seat complete assemblies in a fast-paced, flexible team.
• Developing and implementing the latest technologies in materials, processes, and design execution with a focus on soft trim and foam.
• Utilizing CAD/CAE, design concept, and scanning toolsets to define and optimize physical prototypes and production product designs within the lab.
• Developing efficient and innovative prototype processes to quickly represent significant production intent parts within the lab setting.
• Leading Cross Functional Teams including working with the Design Studio, Design Quality, Perceived Quality, and Supplier Development to develop seats that achieve the desired styling theme, craftsmanship, and materials.
• Leading the development of best practices for design and release engineering within the prototype lab environment and soft trim areas.
• Leading problem-solving activities within the physical seats in the lab and soft trim related items
• Lead and finalize all trim patterns for prototype development encompassing BOM, drawings, sew sequence, etc.
• Operate sewing and cutting machines to validate trim design proposals/validations within the lab.
• Build development seats based on trim design proposals for validation prior to release.
• Digitize patterns when applicable.
• Perform overlay of pattern design levels to support cost walks/design change from internal designs or suppliers.
• Modify foam pads to support trim appearance requirements.

• 5+ Years (Preferred) experience in automotive seat and soft trim development
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
• Demonstrated ability to manage trim pattern development through all project phases (unwrapping/quoting, production release, industrialization, post-launch improvement/problem solving)
• High proficiency in Lectra’s Design Concept or similar software.
• Advanced Technical knowledge of sewing assembly, processes, and industrialization.
• Proven competency in pattern design such as notch alignment, cut seams, seam width, ease of sewing etc.
• Comprehensive understanding of trim materials, (nap/stretch direction, overall material characteristics, etc) and ability to provide recommendations based on component-level design.
• Proven experience with trim pattern CAD design and manufacturing processes.
• Eagerness to work cross-functionally with program engineering, design studio, quality, and manufacturing in adynamic environment where you are part of a large team.
• In-Depth of the first-principle physics & requirements of seat systems
• The desire and curiosity to strive for continuous product, process, and personal improvement
  
  Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

The salary range for this role is $107,800 - $134,800 for California 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,…