Lighting Mechanical Engineer

Rivian•Irvine, CA

About The Position

In this role, you will act as the technical owner and lead for your assigned parts, serving as the primary authority for the development and final sign-off of innovative lighting solutions. You are responsible for defining and managing part requirements throughout the entire lifecycle, ensuring all designs meet strict manufacturability and compliance standards. By bridging the gap between Studio, Engineering, and Suppliers, you’ll facilitate seamless component integration and clear communication across the business. Your analytical skills and creative problem-solving will drive these lighting systems from initial concept through to successful mass production.

Requirements

Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering
2-3+ years of Exterior/interior Lamp development at a Tier 1 or OEM
Capable of managing the full part lifecycle, including design, engineering validation, and release to production systems.
Ability to design injection molded parts with good understanding of injection molding design guide lines.
Understanding of methods for fixing plastic components together.
Demonstrated proficiency in CAD tools, with the ability to create, manipulate, and review geometry to communicate concepts and design intent. Ideally proficient in CATIA V5/V6.
Capable of Generating 3D geometry & sectional data. (Key module utilization: Part design & Geometric Surface design)
Able to apply fundamental and first principles to identify analyze and resolve Technical Challenges

Responsibilities

Translate aesthetic styling visions into feasible, production-ready interior lighting and exterior lighting solutions.
Solve technical problems and evaluate design trade-offs using first-principles reasoning and root-cause analysis, leveraging expertise in plastics, injection molding, optical design, and electronics to ensure all parts and assemblies are optimized for high-volume manufacturing.
Apply GD&T principles and perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure fit, finish, and perceived quality standards are achieved.
Lead the development of DFMEA. Ensure that requirements are defined and then validated with the DVP&R.
Manage Tier 1 supplier relationships including RFQ documentation, technical design reviews, and the integration of supplier feedback.
Execute engineering change management and maintain accurate Bills of Materials using Enovia. Create and manage 3D and 2D data with Catia V6.
Align engineering deliverables with commercial program targets including appearance, cost, weight, durability, legal requirements and timing objectives.
Communicate technical concepts effectively to stakeholders and leadership to drive cross-functional collaboration between studio design, manufacturing, and program management to resolve complex engineering issues.