Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Chassis Systems

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.

Based at our Design HQ in Irvine, CA, the onsite Senior Mechanical Engineer, Chassis Systems drives the end-to-end definition, integration, requirements, validation, and concern resolution for chassis architecture within the Rivian Chassis Vehicle Hardware Engineering team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, this role applies deep expertise in automotive chassis components, vehicle dynamics, and cross-subsystem physical interactions to deliver robust, innovative engineering solutions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong systems engineering foundation, a passion for electric and adventure vehicles, and an innate curiosity to master and advance cutting‑edge chassis technologies.

• Develop preliminary chassis architectures for new vehicle programs with holistic consideration of requirements, industry best practices, packaging, cost, mass, reliability, design for manufacturing and service, and attributes such as vehicle dynamics, durability, safety, and NVH
• Leverage knowledge of vehicle dynamics, structural mechanics, and chassis design to implement and maintain chassis hard points, collaborating with partner subject matter experts and refining geometry to achieve optimal outcomes within the scope of program requirements and timing
• Select optimal solution paths using multi‑faceted and objective decision‑making methods
• Build and maintain version‑controlled, parametric suspension kinematic models in CATIA V6/3DExperience to facilitate dynamic packaging studies and generate motion envelopes
• Define and integrate system‑level chassis requirements through DFMEA, design validation plans (DVP), and integration of vehicle‑level requirements and features, interfacing with external systems engineering partners as required
• Organize and lead chassis systems engineering meeting cadences as required for assigned programs, as well as facilitate and participate in related cross‑functional discussions
• Perform design verification and other chassis hardware integration studies using CAE tools such as suspension kinematic models, multi‑body dynamic (MBD) models, and spreadsheet calculations
• Execute system‑level validation test procedures, including definition, planning, instrumentation, data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Use problem‑solving skills and tool sets to lead methodical, organized, hands‑on, and cross‑functional approaches to concern resolution within required timelines, including root cause analysis, interim and permanent corrective action definition/implementation/validation, and recurrence prevention
• Generate and refine chassis design, simulation, and test standards, and facilitate their adoption into standard workflows to ensure continuous improvement
• Investigate value and impacts of applying new chassis technologies to vehicle programs through research, benchmarking, early supplier engagement, and proof of concept studies

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related automotive discipline )
• 5+ years (preferred) experience in a chassis engineering, chassis integration, or vehicle dynamics engineering role at an OEM
• Must be detail‑oriented, methodical, and results‑focused
• Must be familiar with DFMEA/DVPR usage and review of these documents
• Strong…