Sr. CAE Engineer - Durability

Rivian • Irvine, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

In this position, you will use CAE tools to drive solutions for Vehicle Hardware Closures/ Structures/ Chassis system components. You will ensure these components meet all government and Rivian internal durability requirements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to find optimal solutions that satisfy all Structure system requirements and company goals. This is a fully onsite role based at our engineering Headquarters in Irvine California.

Requirements

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 5+ Years (Preferred) experience in Automotive CAE
• Time spent in a relevant Master’s degree program may count towards work Experience
• Proven ability to perform automotive structure durability analysis using ABAQUS and nCode. Ability to utilize Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) tools to extract high-fidelity duty cycles; proficiency in Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) and MNF model generation for flexible body integration is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of design development to deliver the fatigue/ Key Life Test performance and meet FMVSS, ECE, & Due care durability requirements . Experience developing efficient countermeasures for automotive structures / chassis systems with demonstrated understanding of design and manufacturing constraints.
• Deep knowledge of welding metallurgy (MIG, Spot, Laser) and its influence on material properties and fatigue behavior to optimize joint configurations.
• Knowledge of work flow development using AI/ Machine Learning to accelerate durability CAE cycles and improve predictive accuracy.
• Ability to communicate clearly to a broad audience through verbal and written methods to facilitate collaboration and drive project success.
• A deep passion and commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, along with the courage to ask for help when facing challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead subsystem level Durability CAE analysis of Rivian’s vehicles by developing and executing analysis plans with a focus on Strength and Fatigue of Closures, Body Structure Recovery Zones, Accessory Mounting Zones, Trailer Hitch, Subframes, Knuckles, & Suspension link systems. This involves leading 1-2 concurrent CAE-intensive projects with small cross-functional teams, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality subsystem simulation results and their effective utilization in a fast paced program cycle while supporting optimal resource utilization.
• Accurately model critical physical connections (spot welds, seam welds, adhesives, bolts, grommets, seals, hard points etc.) and boundary conditions using models that comply with subsystem durability standards to develop highly predictive analysis method for non-linear strength and fatigue performance, and correlate with physical test results.
• Extract relevant duty cycle, abuse, and Random Vibration PSD/fatigue time history loads from Vehicle Dynamics/RLD inputs. Conduct detailed non-linear analysis to predict performance, including bolt slip and preload loss, and utilize advanced techniques with nCode for comprehensive fatigue prediction (spot weld, seam weld, & parent metal).
• Apply first principles, animations, and time slices to model and predict automotive durability failure modes, develop strong countermeasures and guide Design Engineers to support robust design development considering DFM & other aspects..
• Support the development of new analytical methods and highly predictive virtual validation procedures that correlate well and reduce physical testing need, and proactively maintain/improve documentation for Best Practices, Design Standards, and Technical Specifications.

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