CAE Engineer II - Interior Hard Trim & Door Trim

Rivian•Irvine, CA

About The Position

As a CAE Engineer II, you will own the structural integrity, dynamic safety, and craftsmanship performance for Rivian’s Interior Hard Trims and Door Trim systems (including portions of Instrument Panels, Consoles, Pillars, Cargo Trim and Door Panels). You will utilize non-linear, transient dynamic simulations to solve complex plastic structural failures, optimize snap-fits, and ensure world-class fit, finish, and occupant safety before physical testing begins.

Requirements

Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or related field)
3+ years of Automotive Interior CAE Experience
Proficiency in LS-DYNA or ABAQUS for non-linear static, dynamic, and dynamic impact/deployment analysis.
Proficiency in pre/post-processors (ANSA, HyperWorks, META).
Specialized expertise in interior plastic design guidelines, polymer behavior, and fastener joint integrity.
Knowledge of Interior Safety/Occupant Protection standards (e.g., FMVSS 201/201U Upper Interior Head Impact, FMVSS 214, FMVSS 208/226).

Nice To Haves

Time spent in a relevant Master's Degree program may count towards work experience
Track record of leading interior hard trim programs from early architecture to physical test correlation.
Experience with optimization tools (LS-OPT, OptiStruct) for structural lightweighting.

Responsibilities

Execute High-Fidelity Simulations: Model complex non-linear dynamic, structural, and abuse load cases for Door Trim assemblies, Instrument Panels, Pillars, and Consoles.
Predict Interior Failure Modes: Predict crashworthiness, airbag deployment dynamics, door slam durability, step loads, and clip-on/snap-fit insertion and extraction forces.
Non-Linear Polymer Analysis: Evaluate injection-molded plastics, foams, and interior composites under thermal variations to predict creep, stress cracking, and dynamic ribbing/fastener failures.
Correlate & Validate: Accurately model interior attachment methods (ultrasonic welds, heat stakes, adhesives, clips) and validate virtual models against component and sled test results.
Optimize & Partner: Work directly with CAD and Design engineers to implement lightweighting, optimize rib patterns, and solve stress concentrations without compromising interior NVH or craftsmanship.