Sr. Mechanical and Thermal 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.

Own the end-to-end mechanical and thermal design for charging components and sub‑systems, delivering robust architectures, validated thermal performance, and production‑ready designs in close collaboration with cross‑ teams in Product Development.

• Lead the mechanical design of charging components and sub‑systems from concept through release, including CAD, detailed drawings, GD&T, and tolerance stack‑ups.
• Plan and execute advanced thermal analysis (1D/3D modeling, CFD, and empirical methods); correlate models to test data and convert insights into requirements and design changes.
• Define effective thermal management strategies (air/liquid paths, heatsinks, TIMs, insulation, enclosure design) to meet performance and reliability targets across environmental extremes.
• Translate system and regulatory needs into mechanical and thermal specifications, verification plans, and acceptance criteria in partnership with Power Electronics, EE, FW, Reliability, Manufacturing, and Service.
• Drive DFM/DFA and cost/weight/thermal trade‑offs; select materials and processes appropriate for high‑reliability, high‑power electromechanical assemblies (e.g., die casting, machining, molding, extrusion, sealing).
• Own sub‑system verification and validation (bench thermal characterization, environmental/thermal cycling, vibration, ingress, durability); iterate designs from test/field findings to production readiness.
• Collaborate with suppliers on feasibility, tolerances, tooling, and quality plans; rapidly resolve build issues using structured problem solving and data‑driven decision making.
• Create clear documentation (analyses, test results, design decisions) and present recommendations; mentor junior engineers and contribute to cross‑functional design reviews and engineering standards.

• CAD experience in CATIA or two of Solid Works, Fusion, Creo, Inventor, Solid Edge.
• Experience in PLM systems such as Enovia.
• Icepak, Fluent, and/or Ansys Workbench experience required.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and thermal engineering principles.
• Experience in working with power switching devices, liquid/forced air cooling system, extruded heatsinks, die casting part, and other mechanical part materials.
• Experience with best practices of constructing CAE models and conducting simulations.
• Applied knowledge/experience of system requirements and design validation testing.

Salary Range SoCal‑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.

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…