Failure Analysis Engineer - NDT

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.

Role Summary

Reliability is at the core of Electric Adventure Vehicles. This position sits in Rivian's Tustin, CA Failure Analysis Lab and is dedicated to non-destructive evaluation across Rivian's full product line.

• Own the lab's computed tomography and optical metrology capability, producing the high-fidelity imaging and dimensional data that drives root cause determination.
• Support programs spanning new product development, production line escapes, warranty, and field failures.
• Work as an integral member of the FA team in Tustin, in close partnership with the FA engineers at our Normal, IL production facility.
• Serve cross-functional customers across Energy Storage, Chassis, Body, Thermal, Closures, and Electrical Engineering - from battery cells and power electronics to castings, closures, and structural assemblies.
• Operate in a hands-on, high-throughput environment where the quality and speed of your imaging and analysis directly determine how quickly Rivian identifies and corrects hardware failures.

Responsibilities

We are looking for expert-level, hands-on depth in the following areas:

• Setup, operation, and technique development of the NSI X5000 CT scanner with 225 kV and 450 kV X-ray sources, or an equivalent industrial CT system - including source and detector selection, scan parameter optimization, and radiation safety practice.
• Expertise with VG Studio Max reconstruction software, or equivalent, covering volume reconstruction, porosity and void analysis, surface mesh generation, CAD-to-part nominal comparison, and dimensional measurement.
• Advanced capability in sample preparation techniques and in the operation of the scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) for fractography, surface characterization, and elemental analysis.
• Advanced capability with the Keyence VR-6000 optical profilometer, or equivalent, and its associated diagnostic software for 3D surface and form measurement.
• Working knowledge and hands-on use of optical microscopy - Keyence VX-series, Zeiss, Olympus, or equivalent - and 2D X-ray inspection.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of five years of relevant hands-on experience.
• NDT Level 2 or Level 3 certification preferred.
• Automotive or other regulated-industry experience preferred.
• Ability to independently scope an analysis and determine the correct sequence of non-destructive examination prior to any destructive work.
• Comfort documenting findings in clear, well-visualized technical reports for both engineering and executive audiences.
• A self-directed approach, the ability to carry a high-volume analysis queue with minimal ramp, and a desire to help build a respectful, inclusive, and inspiring team culture.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $77,800 - $97,300 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, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life,…