Sr. Chassis Steering - Mechanical Engineer

Rivian • Irvine, CA

5h

About The Position

Join Rivian's Vehicle Hardware Engineering — Chassis — Product Development team as a key contributor in bringing our electric adventure vehicles to life.
As a Senior Mechanical Design & Release Engineer, you'll be instrumental in the product development of chassis steering hardware components — from steering columns, intermediate shafts, and electric power-assisted steering gears to next-generation mechatronic systems including steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering, and advanced ADAS steering technologies that are redefining how vehicles interact with the road.
You'll drive steering projects from concept through production release, overseeing pre-series builds, engineering validation, and final sign-off — ensuring our vehicles deliver a confident, connected driving experience on every surface, in every condition.
You'll join a highly collaborative team where your ideas, engineering judgment, and first-principles thinking directly shape what Rivian builds next.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a related discipline)
• Proven ability to break down complex problems from first principles, using data and engineering fundamentals to drive design decisions — not just following precedent.
• Experience with engineering tools such as CAD (CATIA V6 3DX), CAE FEA software, DFMEA, component and sub-assembly validation DVP, root cause analysis, and fastener validation tools.
• Able to leverage core principles of chassis design, component manufacturing, material selection, vehicle dynamics, NVH, and electrical performance to contribute to overall vehicle performance objectives.
• Demonstrable understanding of steering system validation testing at both component and vehicle level.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment — comfortable navigating ambiguity, independently managing concurrent projects, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver results.
• Communicate complex engineering concepts clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders — from suppliers to cross-functional leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred: 5+ Years of experience in Chassis steering hardware and/or development at a steering supplier or OEM Chassis Department, or equivalent relevant experience
• Time spent in a relevant Master's Degree program may count towards work experience
• Experience with steer-by-wire systems, rear-wheel steering, or advanced ADAS-related steering technologies.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262) as they relate to steering system design.
• Experience with global homologation requirements for steering systems across multiple markets.
• Hands-on prototype build support and physical validation experience.
• Experience managing international supplier relationships and development programs.

Responsibilities

• Own clean-sheet engineering design of steering mechatronic and hardware systems — from power-assist columns and steer-by-wire actuators to EPAS gears, intermediate shafts, tie-rods, and fasteners — challenging conventional approaches to deliver solutions that meet Rivian standards, attribute targets, and global market requirements.
• Own engineering deliverables including DFMEA, chassis integration, design validation plans, and project management of steering component and system projects — ensuring rigor and traceability from early concept through production sign-off.
• Partner across Vehicle Architecture, Concept, Functional Safety, Vehicle Dynamics & Controls, Safety, Software, and Electrical Hardware teams — bringing a systems-level perspective to co-develop robust engineering solutions to complex functional challenges.
• Evaluate steering component designs and mounting strategies with CAE software, and define validation procedures to ensure only optimized, integrated, and robust designs are released.
• Apply first-principles reasoning to question legacy design assumptions, evaluate trade-offs in cost, mass, and performance, and propose solutions that push the boundaries of what steering systems can deliver.
• Leverage knowledge and experience gained from steering system development, combined with lean principles, to enhance Rivian's steering technology portfolio and roadmap for future vehicles.
• Create and develop engineering specification packages that effectively communicate design intent to internal and external partners, ensuring products meet project parameters and functional requirements.
• Execute CAD 2D and 3D engineering releases — including assembly, packaging, measurement, surfacing (GSD), drawings, and virtual builds — within the CATIA 3DX environment, ensuring design intent is maintained through release.
• Build and nurture collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders — including durability, vehicle dynamics & controls, software, electrical hardware, vehicle line, attributes, purchasing, and suppliers — to deliver projects on time and to specification.
• Keep the driver's experience at the center of every design decision — from steering feel on a mountain switchback to precision on a highway, your work defines how our customers connect with their adventure.
• Effectively balance multiple projects, responsibilities, and tasks simultaneously, and travel as necessary to support testing, supplier visits, and production engineering support.

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