Sr. AGV/AMR Platform Engineer

Rivian • Plymouth, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and technically-driven Sr. AGV Platform Engineer to lead the design for Rivian’s Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) platforms. This role will focus on defining the comprehensive platform architecture—encompassing the core mechanical, electrical, software, and controls systems—that will underpin Rivian's entire fleet of mobile robotics. You will serve as the technical authority, ensuring the platforms are modular, scalable, safe, and highly optimized for our advanced manufacturing environment. This role is located at our Plymouth, MI facility and reports directly to a Manager, Manufacturing Engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering).
• Minimum of 5+ years of combined experience in robotics, automation, and complex system architecture design, with a focus on mobile platforms (AGVs/AMRs).
• Proven expertise in defining and architecting at least two of the following core mobile robot domains: drive systems & motion control, electrical/power management, or perception.
• Strong technical knowledge of industrial controls, networking, and communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, CAN, EtherCAT) as applied to distributed mobile systems.
• Demonstrated experience translating high-level operational requirements into detailed, actionable technical specifications and architectures.
• Exceptional ability to lead technical discussions, influence cross-functional teams, and provide clear documentation for complex system designs.
• Expected travel up to 50% of the time.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or a related field).
• Direct experience with the full product development lifecycle of an AGV or AMR platform brought to high-volume production.
• Deep familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 3691-4, ISO 13849) and safety-by-design principles for industrial robotics.
• Experience in the automotive or electric vehicle manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with enterprise-level architecture tools and simulation software (e.g., system modeling languages, FlexSim, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Define the foundational hardware, software, and controls architecture for Rivian's AGV and AMR platforms to ensure scalability, flexibility, and commonality across all manufacturing sites and applications.
• Lead the Co-Development of the platform's core systems with both internal teams and external industry experts/suppliers, setting technical requirements and validating component performance to build best-in-class solutions.
• Own the technical roadmap and lifecycle management of the mobile robot platform, driving decisions on key components, system interfaces, and future technological upgrades.
• Conduct high-level trade-off analyses to provide technical leadership and justification for critical platform design decisions.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between Hardware Engineering, Software/Controls Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations to ensure the platform design meets integration needs and production requirements.
• Define and enforce functional safety architecture for the mobile robot platform, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Establish common technical specifications, interface control documents, and validation plans for the entire AGV/AMR fleet.
• Maintain a strong understanding of emerging robotics technologies, industry trends, and competitive platforms, proactively identifying opportunities for platform improvement and innovation.

Benefits

• The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees.
• You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
• Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment.
• Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.
• More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level