Sr. Materials Failure Analysis Engineer

Rivian • Tustin, CA

68d • $98,500 - $123,100

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. In this role you'll join a diverse group of subject matter experts in the Failure Analysis and Materials Engineering team and bring your own expertise in the domain of materials testing. You will make an impact across every Rivian product line by joining our state-of-the-art Materials Testing Laboratory and by being a champion for data, commonality, engineering standards, and sound scientific principles. You will use your experience to develop material testing specifications, execute testing, and ensure material data is broadly available, easily accessible, and used accurately across Rivian. You will be responsible for managing lab work requests and competing priorities.

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands on experience in mechanical Testing and Failure Analysis.
• Solid background in the mechanical properties and failure analysis of engineering materials including Aluminum, Steel and Polymer Composites.
• Material characterization and post mortem analysis with proven insight and expertise.
• Expertise in mechanical loading and free-body diagrams to replicate field failures through controlled quasi-static testing.
• Skills in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate tests and anticipate stress concentration areas.
• Design and manufacture custom testing fixtures using 3D CAD software (Catia and Solidworks).
• Proficiency with materials characterization tools, including 2D/#D-CT, SEM, SEDS, XRF, FTIR, Optical Microscopy, DSC, TGA, DMA and hardness testing.
• Lead complex failure analysis projects from initial lenient consultation to final detailed report.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with programs such as Ansys Granta or Applus Matereality.
• Top-notch communication skills and ability to develop testing strategies through 1:1 conversation with engineers, designers, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Perform a wide variety of materials testing and validation on materials coming from across Rivian shops.
• Establish test parameters for unique situations.
• Design and manufacture testing samples and fixturing for novel testing requirements.
• Analyze and understand how fixture design may impact testing results.
• Draft drawings for fixtures and test specimens that can be carried out by our machine shop.
• Write, update, and maintain Rivian materials testing specifications.
• Process and analyze testing data.
• Produce clear and concise reports to summarize data collected.
• Distill and present technical data to cross-functional teams.
• Manage work requests within our LIMS (JIRA).
• Set day-to-day work priorities for lab team.
• Build and maintain a material property database.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, service, and calibration.
• Capable of safely operating basic metallographic laboratory equipment.

Benefits

• 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
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees