Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Gearbox

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.

Responsibilities
Design, develop, and validate gearboxes and actuators
Design, develop, and validate plastic gears and gear trains for angle sensors and other mechatronic sensing/actuation applications
Perform gearbox design calculations, tolerance analysis, and tooth form optimization using KISSsoft
Specify and verify gear quality and tolerance requirements in accordance with Standard: ISO 1328
Apply plastic gear design guidelines per Standard: VDI 2736 accounting for shrinkage, thermal expansion, moisture absorption, and wear
Create detailed 3D models of plastic gears, gearboxes, shafts, etc.
Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate gear trains with angle sensors and other position-sensing components
Coordinate injection-molded gear tooling, sampling, and validation efforts with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
Develop and execute design verification plans and reports (DVP&R) for gear performance, durability, and NVH
Lead and maintain design failure mode and effects analyses (DFMEAs) for gear and sensor assemblies
Prototype and iterate designs using hands-on fabrication, gear metrology, and lab testing to validate functionality

Qualifications
Proven experience designing plastic (injection-molded) gears, including tooth form compensation, backlash management, and material selection
Proficiency in KISSsoft for gear design, calculation, and simulation
Working knowledge of Standard: ISO 1328 gear tolerance classifications
Familiarity with Standard: VDI 2736 plastic gear design and testing guidelines
Experience designing gears for angle sensors or similar rotary position sensor gear trains
Proficient in 3D/2D CAD (Catia V5/V6 preferred) and Multibody dynamics (MBD)
Strong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
Solid foundation in polymer material properties, injection molding processes, and gear metrology
Familiarity with PLM systems, BOM structuring, engineering changes, and deviation processes

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range Irvine-Based Applicants: $107,800-$134,800 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits

Summary:

Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.

Equal Opportunity

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

Candidate Data Privacy and Technology

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Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People…