Sr. Dynamics and Suspension Controls System Engineer

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies•Irvine, CA

8d•$135,100 - $185,800

About The Position

This role is focused on developing and optimizing Vehicle Dynamics features across vehicle propulsion, chassis controls, torque vectoring, and active driveline systems. As our vehicle platform portfolio expands, this engineer will lead dynamics feature development across increasing drivetrain permutations, leveraging modern AI-assisted engineering tools to accelerate analysis, requirements development, and validation workflows. The ideal candidate is a technically strong systems thinker who embraces AI productivity tools as a force multiplier in a fast-paced development environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive, or Controls Engineering (Master's preferred)
3–5 years of systems engineering experience with a focus on vehicle dynamics or chassis controls
Working knowledge of Controls, Electrical, or Mechanical engineering as applied to automotive systems
Experience with electric powertrain systems and validation at one or more test levels (SIL, HIL, Component, or Vehicle)
Familiarity with DFMEA processes
Understanding of ISO 26262 functional safety guidelines as applied to safety-critical automotive systems
Demonstrated use of AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude) or AI-powered analysis tools in an engineering context
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Experience testing at proving grounds
Familiarity with MBSE methodologies and tools
Experience with requirement management tools (Jama, Flow or equivalent)
Experience with Vector CAN tools
Experience applying LLMs or AI tools to requirements generation, test case synthesis, or FMEA support workflows

Responsibilities

Support and drive development of Vehicle Dynamics features relating to Chassis Controls, Torque Vectoring, and Active Driveline, under guidance of Staff and Principal engineers
Collaborate cross-functionally with OEM stakeholders to define User Stories and Vehicle Dynamics Performance Attributes
Derive attributes top-down for sub-systems and components (Mechanical, Electrical, and Software) using first principles for performance and safety
Develop and document requirements at vehicle, system, and component level with full traceability
Interface with other technical functional domains to ensure proper vehicle-level quality, integration, and manufacturability
Support attribute verification and vehicle performance evaluation
Contribute to feature-level DFMEAs using traditional methods and MBSE
Support System-level Functional Safety work products compliant with ISO 26262 guidelines
Support in-vehicle testing and validation globally
Contribute to DVP&R development working alongside senior engineers to formulate, conduct, and capture validation tests at various levels (SIL, HIL, Component, and Vehicle)
Participate in troubleshooting issues, applying structured root cause analysis methodologies
Actively utilize AI-assisted tools (e.g., LLM-based coding assistants, AI-enhanced simulation pre/post-processing, automated requirements traceability tools) to improve throughput and quality of engineering deliverables
Assist in development, commissioning and maintaining physics based vehicle models with focus on semi-active & suspension systems. (MATLAB or AI based tooling)
Apply AI tools to accelerate data analysis from proving ground and lab test events, reducing cycle time from test to insight
Use AI-assisted scripting and code generation (Python/MATLAB) to automate repetitive analysis tasks and generate first-pass calibration documentation