Sr. Color Materials & Finish Designer

Rivian•Irvine, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. We are a team of problem-solvers, innovators, and adventurers who believe there is a more responsible way to explore the world. Our all-electric vehicles, Adventure Products, and integrated ecosystem are designed to challenge what's possible and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation. As a Senior CMF Designer at the Rivian Design Studio, you will help shape the aesthetic vision for our vehicles, accessories, and energy products. You will be a vital part of a team that creates and executes world-class products, pushing the boundaries of material innovation and translating our brand philosophy into a tangible, multi-sensory experience. You will be involved in key stages of the CMF design process, from trend research and story creation to initial material development and conceptual refinement. Success in this role requires a creative mindset, strong cross-functional collaboration, and an eagerness to leverage modern visualization and digital workflows.

Requirements

A strong portfolio showcasing CMF workflows (trend research, material swatches, digital renders, and conceptual design stories). Applications without a portfolio link and necessary login credentials will not be considered.
Bachelor’s Degree in CMF Design, Industrial Design, Textile Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, or equivalent professional experience.
3-4+ years of professional CMF or related design experience with a portfolio showing strong creative concept development and design execution.
Hands-on proficiency with visualization software such as Cinema 4D, VRED, KeyShot, Blender, Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.
Strong interest or demonstrated experience in leveraging emerging design technologies, including Adobe Substance 3D, Figma, and AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, Stable Diffusion) to enhance early-stage discovery and material development.
High color perception and the ability to pass the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Color Test with a superior score.
Proactive approach to project management, capable of taking initiative and balancing personal workflows independently.
A supportive team player who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative studio environment.
Embody Rivian’s Compass Values, keeping a "zoom out" mentality to align day-to-day material choices with broader brand and sustainability goals.

Nice To Haves

Automotive experience is a plus
Candidates coming from Industrial Design, Interior/Architectural Design, Fashion, Consumer Electronics, or Footwear are highly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Develop and apply CMF strategies across vehicle interiors, exteriors, and Adventure Products, ensuring a cohesive look, feel, and brand language across all user touchpoints.
Analyze macro-trends, cultural shifts, and material developments in design, fashion, and technology to inform future CMF palettes and strategies.
Conduct competitive analysis across automotive, consumer electronics, and lifestyle industries to identify new opportunities and set high baselines for innovation.
Research and develop innovative materials—ranging from traditional polymers and metals to technical textiles, woods, bio-based alternatives, and advanced finishes.
Partner with material vendors and suppliers to source new resources, co-develop custom finishes, and maintain a state-of-the-art internal CMF library.
Collaborate closely with Studio Designers and visualization teams to translate early CMF concepts into actionable design directions.