Sr. Materials Engineer - Raw Materials Supplier Development

Rivian • Tustin, CA

8d

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.

You will work alongside cross-functional teams to drive Rivian quality requirements and manage our contract manufacturers' quality performance, ensuring seamless production scaling. This position requires 50% travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related field
• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years or Master’s degree with 3+ years experience in polymers or raw materials in supply chain and manufacturing process.
• Strong Knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and polymer materials engineering fundamentals
• Technical expertise of automotive components designs and manufacturing, including knowledge of safety and test requirements and appearance approval process
• Basic knowledge of Geometric Design and Tolerancing (GD&T) and datum structures
• Experience in injection molding, polymer compounding, tooling design, process changes, and surface treatment of resin commodities.
• In depth knowledge of IATF16949:2016 and understanding of ISO14001
• Ability to analyze and present data effectively at all levels from working level meetings, to executive briefings.
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment
• Good communication and interpersonal skills (Team Work) as well as negotiation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related field.
• Experience participating in or leading supplier audits/assessments

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier industrialization and readiness for the raw materials commodity including plastics, rubber, and adhesive.
• Support supplier selection and capability assessment for both greenfield (new plant) and brownfield (existing plant expansion) projects, ensuring alignment with program timelines and quality expectations.
• Define and drive APQP discipline and enforce PPAP requirements, ensuring suppliers meet dimensional, material, and performance validation before production approval.
• Evaluate and validate supplier manufacturing processes by leading process audits, PFMEA reviews, control plan validation, and equipment capability assessments.
• Optimize supplier manufacturing scalability, ensuring production lines are capable of meeting increasing volume and quality expectations during ramp-up phases.
• Define and monitor supplier industrialization performance through KPIs such as on-time PPAP submission, process capability indices (Cpk/Ppk), defect rates (PPM), first-pass yield, issue closure rate, and supplier corrective action effectiveness.
• Facilitate problem resolution using structured methodologies (focused problem solving) to address defects, process deviations, and launch roadblocks proactively.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Materials Engineering, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to drive VA/VE cost optimization, ensuring seamless design implementation into supplier manufacturing processes and technology while maintaining quality and performance standards
• Translate complex engineering requirements into clear, actionable tasks for suppliers. Coach suppliers on ways of working with Rivian and hold suppliers accountable to commitments by setting clear milestones, following up regularly, and addressing slippage through constructive, fact-based conversations focused on solutions and risk reduction.
• Draft, develop, establish, and enforce the materials engineering specifications and qualification process requirements across the global resins supply chain.
• Assist the Rivian design team on materials selection to improve sourcing flexibility, part functionality, reduce overall BoM complexity, and reduce material costs.
• Function as subject matter expert and troubleshooting leader for the process and quality issues onsite.
• Work collaboratively with suppliers and Rivian materials engineering to develop materials and processes to fit Rivian’s design and sustainability targets
• Collaborate with Rivian internal teams to develop and manage the raw resins bill of materials
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions in English to ensure workplace safety, effective communication, and operational efficiency.
• 50% travel requirement

Benefits

• Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26.
• Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees