Sr. Exterior Trim Mechanical Design & Release Engineer

Rivian • Irvine, CA

9h

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.

Role Summary

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer – Exterior Trim you will own the design, development, and release of exterior trim systems and components (e.g., fascias, flares, claddings, rockers, underbody shields, MIC trims, appliques) across current and future Rivian programs. You will be accountable for delivering robust designs that meet cost, mass, quality, and timing targets while leading cross-functional alignment with Studio, Manufacturing, Quality,
Supplier Engineering, and Attributes teams.

You are expected to operate as a technical leader within the team: driving issue resolution to
root cause, leading supplier engagement, mentoring earlier-career engineers, and representing
Exterior Trim in key vehicle forums

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years or relevant experience in automotive exterior systems (trim, fascias, claddings, underbody, appliques, or similar).
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD (e.g., CATIA / 3DEXPERIENCE or similar) for complex plastic parts and assemblies, including sectioning, GD&T, and tolerance stacks.
• Demonstrated experience taking components from concept through SOP in a high-volume manufacturing environment, including supplier collaboration and launch support at plant.
• Proven ability to drive root-cause problem solving and implement robust permanent countermeasures within program timing constraints.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex issues and influence cross-functional decisions.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with MIC exterior trim, wheel arch and rocker systems, underbody shields, claddings, and liftgate closeouts, including cost/mass optimization and RC burn-down.
• Familiarity with polymer material selection for exterior applications (PP, TPO, PC/ABS, POM, LGF, ASA) and collaboration with material and resin suppliers.
• Experience authoring or maintaining DVP&R, DFMEA, and PFEP for exterior systems.
• Exposure to global regulatory and customer requirements that impact exterior trim (impact, pedestrian protection, corrosion, water management, NVH, IQS/VOC).

Responsibilities

• Product design & release
• Own the end-to-end design and release of exterior trim parts and assemblies (from concept through production), including CAD, drawing, and PLM ownership for assigned components.
• Apply first-principles mechanical engineering and DFM/DFA best practices for high-volume polymer and composite processes (e.g., injection molding, 2-shot, over-molding, compression molding).
• Balance A-surface design intent with engineering, manufacturing, and cost constraints; provide clear, data-driven feedback to Studio on feasibility and trade-offs.
• Program execution & delivery
• Deliver exterior trim content to program cost, mass, and tooling targets; track gaps and drive closure with Purchasing, Cost, and suppliers
• Own engineering inputs to PFEP, PPAP readiness, and Design Validation Build, Manufacturing Validation builds and saleable build readiness, ensuring parts, tooling, and validation are on track to support build plans.
• Lead resolution of problems and quality issues related to exterior trim from early development through field, including root cause, containment, and permanent countermeasures in partnership with Manufacturing, Quality, and Service
• Validation & quality
• Develop and maintain DVP&R for your components and sub-systems; ensure test coverage vs. requirements and manage test execution with Validation and suppliers.
• Interpret validation, plant, and field data to improve design robustness (e.g., fit/finish, DVAC, PIST, BSR, durability, corrosion, water management).
• Contribute to and use DFMEAs and lessons-learned to prevent recurrence of known failure modes across programs and parts.
• Cross-functional leadership
• Lead cross-functional discussions with Body, Closures, Studio, Manufacturing, Supplier Engineering, Quality, and Attributes to converge on feasible, high-quality solutions for exterior trim issues and change requests (e.g., PCCR, SURFCR, RBCM).
• Represent Exterior Trim status and risk in program reviews, clearly articulating issues, options, and recommendations.
• Provide technical mentorship and day-to-day guidance to RIV 3–4 engineers and designers on good design practice, process, and Rivian ways of working.

Benefits

• 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