Mechanical Design Engineer - Interior Door Trim and Center Console

Rivian•Irvine, CA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

As a Mechanical Engineer within the Door Trim and Center Console Engineering team, you will support the design, development, and launch of Center Console and Door Trim components and sub-assemblies for current and future vehicle programs. You will work across the product development cycle from concept through validation and release, partnering with Studio, Design Engineers, CAE, validation, manufacturing, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-quality, manufacturable solutions across highly visible interior systems. This role is scoped and calibrated for a Mechanical Design Engineer I, meaning a strong early-career engineer who can execute day-to-day work autonomously, develops parts with direction and coaching, and knows when to seek help or escalate.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
engineering experience, including internships, co-ops, or an initial full-time engineering role.
Automotive product development experience is preferred, especially in interior trim, center console, door trim, or related components.
Strong first-principles foundation and the ability to translate requirements into practical design solutions for components and assemblies.
Proficiency in CAD, with experience in Catia preferred or the demonstrated ability to become skilled in Catia quickly. Ability to create and manage 3D models, sections, annotations, and basic drawings.
Introductory to basic understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, with willingness and ability to continue developing drawing and gage-design knowledge.
Familiarity with the DFMEA process and component-level validation, with the ability to contribute effectively under guidance.
Foundational understanding of design for manufacturing, material selection, and common manufacturing processes used for automotive interior components such as injection molding, wrapping, joining, and assembly.
Ability to communicate ideas clearly, ask good questions, work effectively across functions, and contribute constructively to technical discussions and decisions.
Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage day-to-day work with appropriate guidance, while showing judgment about when to ask for help and when to escalate risks.
Curious, hands-on, and eager to learn quickly in a demanding environment, with a strong drive to develop into a high-performing design and release engineer.

Responsibilities

Support the engineering interface with Rivian Design Studio by implementing assigned actions from Studio reviews into feasible engineering designs, while learning to communicate technical constraints and surface feasibility clearly.
Create and manage 3D geometric designs and 2D drawings using Catia V6 / 3DEXPERIENCE, supporting the development of center console and door trim components and assemblies that meet functional, packaging, appearance, and manufacturing requirements.
Deliver components to specification by applying first-principles engineering, supporting the definition of requirements and load cases, and contributing to DFMEA development for your area of ownership.
Understand system and component interfaces and work cross-functionally with adjacent teams to resolve design requirements, packaging conflicts, and attribute trade-offs.
Support virtual and physical validation of designs by working with CAE and test teams, using simulation results and test feedback to improve concept maturity and design robustness.
Lead design work for individual center console and door trim components to achieve timely releases that meet design-for-manufacturing inputs from suppliers, manufacturing, and internal stakeholders.
Apply disciplined root cause analysis to component and assembly issues, work with supporting teams and labs as needed, and help drive practical corrective actions to closure.
Support technical reviews with suppliers, document actions and deliverables clearly, and help hold suppliers accountable to timing and engineering commitments.
Learn and apply Rivian and industry standards, including DFM, GD&T, validation requirements, and relevant design rules, to deliver quality parts and drawings.
Communicate clearly, stay flexible as priorities evolve, and contribute positively within a fast-moving development environment while continuing to build technical depth and ownership.