Sr. Manager, Supplier Excellence

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies•Irvine, CA

About The Position

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Rivian VW Technology Group is seeking a technically adept, hands-on Manager of Supplier Excellence. This role is designed for a leader who isn't afraid to dive deep into the "nitty-gritty" of electromechanical systems while managing the quality performance of our contract manufacturers (CMs). You will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and floor-level execution, ensuring our electronic modules scale seamlessly from Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to high-volume manufacturing.

Requirements

BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, or an equivalent technical field.
10+ years in product development or volume manufacturing, specifically within high-rate production environments & PCBA manufacturing.
Proven experience in managing lean engineering teams within high-growth or startup-style environments where efficiency & technical self-sufficiency are paramount
Ability to dive deep into electrical, software, & mechanical issues.
Technical expertise in automotive low voltage electronics (IPC-610 certification is a significant plus).
Deep understanding of automotive PPAP, DFMEA, FMEA, Metrology, & various inspection methods/equipment.
Expertise in VDA 6.3 and the RGA framework for risk-based component qualification.
Proven track record of working with Contract Manufacturers to drive manufacturing KPIs to the highest standards.
Ability to manage ambiguity & create clarity in complex situations while overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent verbal & written skills for collaborating across cross-functional teams and external partners.
Strong documentation practices for tracking changes, test results, & issues.
A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to travel to contract manufacturer locations as needed to support production & test development activities.

Nice To Haves

IPC-610 certification

Responsibilities

Contribute to the creation & implementation of best practice quality visions & procedures that specifically improve operational performance at Contract Manufacturers with a lean internal team.
Identify, root cause, & track complex issues by working directly with internal stakeholders & CMs to implement improvements during production & vehicle launch.
Perform & sustain VDA audits during sourcing & throughout the program life cycle.
Drive the completion of PPA & Reifegrad Absicherung (RGA) or Maturity levels Assurance requirements from early development phases through Start of Production (SOP).
Manage & report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure project timing & quality standards are met.
Proactively identify high-risk areas within both the engineering design cycle and the physical production environment.