Mechanical Design Engineer, Electronics

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.

As the Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, Electronics, you will have a critical technical role guiding and shaping the design, release, and integration of electrical and mechanical components. Specifically, integrating electrical components, PCBA, sensors, and connectors into a mechanical environment of housings, shafts, and bearings. You will work with purchasing to source components and work collaboratively with suppliers to ensure manufacturability  will develop DFMEAs and DVPRs to ensure robust analytical and physical validation.

• Design, develop, and test electromechanical actuators and motor‑driven mechanisms for light electric vehicle platforms
• Create detailed drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for mechanical parts and assemblies
• Perform 3D modeling of components and assemblies, including die castings, injection‑molded plastics, sheet metal, and fasteners
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate PCBAs, wire harnesses, and electronic systems into mechanical designs
• Collaborate with firmware engineers to ensure physical systems support robust control and seamless integration with embedded software
• Coordinate validation efforts with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
• Develop and execute design verification plans and reports (DVP&R)
• Lead and maintain design failure mode and effects analyses (DFMEAs)
• Prototype and iterate designs using hands‑on fabrication and lab testing to validate functionality

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; MS preferred
• 8+ years of experience leading design efforts in the automotive or electronics product field
• Deep understanding of motors, servo drives, and motion sensors
• Design experience with precision motion mechanisms, including force/displacement amplification, mechanical linkages, and motion transmission systems
• Ability to model mechanical behaviors of (e.g., stiffness, losses, backlash) using MATLAB/Simulink
• Design experience with PCBA integration and wire harness design
• Strong foundation in material properties, heat treatment, statics, and dynamics
• Knowledgeable about control strategies and firmware implementation
• Proficient in developing low‑level drivers using Python, C, and C++
• Proficient in 3D/2D CAD (Catia V5/V6 preferred) and skilled in CAE tools (Ansys, Abaqus, Hyper Works, or similar)
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack‑up analysis
• Familiarity with PLM systems, BOM structuring, engineering changes, and deviation processes

Salary Range for California Based Candidates: $ – $ (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.

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,…