Lead Supplier Development, Industrialization & Quality Engineer - Battery Cell

Rivian•Irvine, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Rivian’s Supply Chain team is seeking a strategic technical leader to drive supplier quality and reliability for vehicle programs. This advanced individual contributor and subject matter expert owns the complete supplier quality lifecycle, from initial sourcing through ongoing business management, and takes direct ownership of critical, high-risk suppliers to support a seamless production ramp. The role leads complex manufacturing issue resolution, identifies and mitigates high-impact risks, mentors others, and provides expert analysis to influence sourcing and design decisions. It also involves driving supplier accountability at the executive level and representing team needs in major program reviews. The position is based onsite in Irvine, California, and requires an average of 25–50% domestic and international travel. It reports to the Sr. Manager, Supplier Development Industrialization & Quality Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
At least 6 years of relevant supplier development experience.
Full understanding of the end-to-end procurement lifecycle and experience managing high-risk supplier portfolios.
Experience with batteries, cells, cell materials, or other electrochemical or electronics components.
Familiarity with cell manufacturing processes and the quality challenges of scaling new technology.
Experience supporting supplier new product introduction in a high-volume automotive setting.
Ability to own the business case and execution for significant process improvement initiatives.
Ability to interpret information, facilitate productive conversations, and gain buy-in for a clear vision.
Expert analytical and recommendation skills that can influence critical sourcing decisions and capital investments.
Ability to take accountability for supplier and cross-functional team performance, operate with minimal manager input, and solve problems beyond defined scope in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

Own the complete supplier quality lifecycle, from initial sourcing through ongoing business management, to support seamless production ramps.
Manage critical CL0 and CL1 suppliers and resolve failures to mitigate risks and delays.
Break down complex problems and datasets to produce meaningful, actionable results.
Apply robust problem-solving tools to address systemic issues across the supply base.
Lead high-complexity APQP/PPAP projects that affect major program milestones.
Optimize supplier quality KPIs to predict and prevent future failures, aligning project efforts with long-term goals.
Advise program leadership and present and defend strategic recommendations in high-stakes forums.
Drive systemic cross-functional change using first principles and persuade other functions to adopt new processes.
Operate with minimal manager input and hold suppliers and cross-functional teams accountable for performance.
Prioritize complex workloads and act in high-pressure situations.
Travel domestically and internationally, averaging 25–50%.