Sr. Lead Chassis Engineer

Rivian•Irvine, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Lead Chassis Engineer, you will hold cradle-to-grave accountability for vehicle programs, driving the transition from initial design through launch and into ongoing production. You will resolve complex, cross-functional chassis issues and synchronize design activities to ensure the entire team is aligned on the most optimal engineering solutions. As a strategic member of the Chassis Leadership team, you will conduct rigorous technical reviews, spearhead launch efforts, and serve as the primary conduit for plant manufacturing teams. By owning the resolution of field quality issues and acting as the single point of contact for your respective product lines, you will bridge the gap between high-level engineering theory and flawless manufacturing execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
12-15+ years of proven success in Chassis design and development, specifically within an OEM environment.
Mastery of DFMEA and DVPR methodologies, with the ability to lead critical reviews and ensure robust failure-mode mitigation across complex assemblies.
Expert-level proficiency in CAD—specifically CATIA V6—with a focus on architectural integration and sophisticated packaging solutions.
Comprehensive technical command of chassis architecture, high-level vehicle dynamics, and wheel and tire alignment.
Proven ability to dissect complex engineering hurdles using first principles, leveraging data-driven insights to reach definitive solutions.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the presence to influence domestic and international stakeholders, executive leadership, and global Tier 1 suppliers.
A proactive self-starter mindset with the seasoned engineering judgment required to navigate ambiguity and thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced program cycles.
Ability to work seamlessly across departments, balancing technical requirements with manufacturing constraints and commercial targets.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Act as the primary representative for Chassis program-level design and attribute reviews, ensuring engineering integrity is maintained throughout the vehicle's development.
Orchestrate the resolution of high-complexity technical issues by collaborating with Functional Managers, Attribute teams, and Manufacturing to resolve chassis elements and vehicle-level bottlenecks.
Guide Design Release Engineers (DREs) through sophisticated design challenges and high-severity root cause analyses, providing the technical oversight necessary to ensure robust solutions.
Define and manage critical chassis timing constraints by interfacing with Mass, Vehicle Dynamics, Crash, Aero, and NVH teams to deliver program milestones.
Identify and escalate critical technical roadblocks to the Chassis Director, ensuring design activities remain on track and deliverables are met with precision.
Drive regular technical touchpoints between suppliers and DREs and travel as needed to production sites to provide hands-on support for manufacturing and key product testing.
Lead functional planning meetings to establish department priorities and secure the resources necessary to resolve urgent technical hurdles.