Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Chassis Systems

Rivian•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Based at our Design HQ in Irvine, CA, the onsite Senior Mechanical Engineer, Chassis Systems drives the end-to-end definition, integration, requirements, validation, and concern resolution for chassis architecture within the Rivian Chassis Vehicle Hardware Engineering team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, this role applies deep expertise in automotive chassis components, vehicle dynamics, and cross-subsystem physical interactions to deliver robust, innovative engineering solutions. The ideal candidate brings a strong systems engineering foundation, a passion for electric and adventure vehicles, and an innate curiosity to master and advance cutting-edge chassis technologies.

Requirements

Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related automotive discipline
5+ years (preferred) experience in a chassis engineering, chassis integration, or vehicle dynamics engineering role at an OEM
Must be detail-oriented, methodical, and results-focused
Must be familiar with DFMEA/DVPR usage and review of these documents
Strong experience using CAD (ideally CATIA V6) required
Experience using ADAMS or equivalent multi-body dynamics solver preferred
Demonstrable Knowledge of GD&T, Material Selection, Design Decision Matrices, Root Cause Analysis, Manufacturing methods for suspension components
Solid fundamental knowledge of chassis design, vehicle dynamics, suspension alignment and design contributors to vehicle level performance
Understanding of chassis design standards used across the industry
Candidates should be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced team environment
Excellent communication skills, able to interact effectively with domestic and international teammates & suppliers
Possess a genuine interest in EVs & Adventure Vehicles and is driven with unwavering enthusiasm and curiosity to learn as much as possible about chassis design & technologies.
Must be a self-starter, use initiative and engineering judgement
Ability to interpret data and solve complex problems using first principles

Responsibilities

Develop preliminary chassis architectures for new vehicle programs with holistic consideration of requirements, industry best practices, packaging, cost, mass, reliability, design for manufacturing and service, and attributes such as vehicle dynamics, durability, safety, and NVH
Leverage knowledge of vehicle dynamics, structural mechanics, and chassis design to implement and maintain chassis hard points, collaborating with partner subject matter experts and refining geometry to achieve optimal outcomes within the scope of program requirements and timing
Select optimal solution paths using multi-faceted and objective decision-making methods
Build and maintain version-controlled, parametric suspension kinematic models in CATIA V6/3DExperience to facilitate dynamic packaging studies and generate motion envelopes
Define and integrate system-level chassis requirements through DFMEA, design validation plans (DVP), and integration of vehicle-level requirements and features, interfacing with external systems engineering partners as required
Organize and lead chassis systems engineering meeting cadences as required for assigned programs, as well as facilitate and participate in related cross-functional discussions
Perform design verification and other chassis hardware integration studies using CAE tools such as suspension kinematic models, multi-body dynamic (MBD) models, and spreadsheet calculations
Execute system-level validation test procedures, including definition, planning, instrumentation, data collection, analysis, and reporting
Use problem-solving skills and tool sets to lead methodical, organized, hands-on, and cross-functional approaches to concern resolution within required timelines, including root cause analysis, interim and permanent corrective action definition/implementation/validation, and recurrence prevention
Generate and refine chassis design, simulation, and test standards, and facilitate their adoption into standard workflows to ensure continuous improvement
Investigate value and impacts of applying new chassis technologies to vehicle programs through research, benchmarking, early supplier engagement, and proof of concept studies