Prototype Paint Specialist, Special Projects

Rivian•Irvine, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is with the Special Projects Team based in Irvine, CA. Our department is responsible for component, system and full-vehicle prototypes and marketing/show vehicle builds at Rivian. This includes the ability to take almost anything from a sketch or rough concept and turn it into a physical product as quickly as possible. Our group features engineers, program managers, fabricators, technicians, painters, and others focused on efficient design and high-quality, short-duration builds. We support production development and manufacturing through our prototype development, while also supporting the design studio in developing concepts and new paint colors. We also build show cars for all programs, as well as other public-facing marketing builds like the Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Van, and an ambulance for the set of Grey’s Anatomy. You will be responsible for painting and surfacing any of the builds coming through the Special Projects team, ranging from development properties to partnership builds to true show cars. You will also be responsible for paint color and finish development with the design studio, working collaboratively with designers to create the next Rivian color palette.

Requirements

5+ years of automotive painting and color development experience
Familiar with a variety of automotive paint and latex paint systems (ie. BASF, Axalta, PPG, Sherwin Williams, etc.)
Experience using paint measurement equipment such as spectrophotometers, gloss meters, and color scanners
Flexibility to occasionally work non-standard hours to ensure time sensitive jobs are completed on time
Strong communication, multitasking, & inter-personal skills
Basic computer skills (Google suite, Slack, Etc.)

Responsibilities

Develop paint color and finish concepts, including spray-outs, and use creative judgment to achieve desired color and finish proposals.
Create and maintain a color and finish database with formulas, processes, and equipment settings.
Prepare and paint surface models and components using materials such as body filler, primer, composites, plastics, and modeling films.
Adjust gaps, refine highlights, and color sand/polish surfaces to a show-quality finish.
Manage paint workload and deliver projects on schedule.
Drive innovation through process improvements and evaluation of new equipment and materials.
Maintain a clean, organized, and professional studio/shop environment.
Manage inventory and procure tools and supplies through the corporate procurement system.
Ensure equipment remains in proper working condition and coordinate required service and repairs.
Work collaboratively, support teammates, and follow all corporate health and safety procedures.