Craftsmanship & Appearance Quality Engineer

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.

The Staff Craftsmanship & Appearance Quality Engineer is a key role within the Perceived & Design Quality group to ensure cross‑functional alignments are streamlined and on‑time delivery of program milestones associated with the appearance approval process are met. In addition, the position will provide situational awareness of emerging risks to our current timing and deliverables. This position drives continuous improvement by collaborating with cross‑functional teams and identifying solutions to Design Quality roadblocks.

This role is dynamic, fast‑paced, and multi‑faceted where success is dependent upon operating and collaborating cross‑functionally within the business. Core activities will represent a combination of Design Quality, Perceived Quality and Craftsmanship considerations. This extremely varied and exciting role allows you to participate in all areas of the design and development process and directly affect the product and customer experience.

The ideal candidate is self‑motivated, technically proficient, can influence others, has excellent communication skills, ability to create strong relationships, is process driven, extremely well‑organized, and inquisitive. This is an on‑site opening in Irvine, CA and will report directly to the Senior Manager of Design Quality.

• Lead direct integration and coordination efforts between Studio, CMF, Craftsmanship and Design Quality.
• Develop and maintain program‑specific "Critical to Styling" (CTS) part catalog.
• Track and ensure the readiness of DQ critical inputs.
• Participate in competitive benchmarking and establish Bill of Design criteria for craftsmanship excellence.
• Jointly co‑validate Design criteria with Concept, Core, and Subject Matter Expert teams.
• Support translating Studio's appearance quality expectations into Rivian Quality Standards.
• Establish strategic objectives with Engineering to deliver exceptional craftsmanship.
• Verify the accuracy of part‑level texture direction.
• Support part‑level documentation for dual or complex texture execution.
• Must be willing to travel 20%.

• Bachelor’s in Engineering or technical discipline, Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with Craftsmanship, Perceived & Design Quality Standards at a global automotive company.
• Technical background in injection molding, along with tool texture and surface finishes.
• Must pass a Munsell Hue Test with Superior Discrimination.
• Thrives in both autonomous and collaborative settings, effectively translating direction into action.
• Exhibits high emotional intelligence to filter information, assess urgency, and determine the appropriate channels for communication or escalation.
• Meticulously organized, with experience successfully managing complex information and data.

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for California‑Based Applicants: $137,800-$172,200 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

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, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.

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…