Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Gearbox

Rivian • Tustin, CA

49d • Onsite

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.

Requirements

• Proven experience designing plastic (injection-molded) gears, including tooth form compensation, backlash management, and material selection
• Proficiency in KISSsoft for gear design, calculation, and simulation
• Working knowledge of Standard: ISO 1328 gear tolerance classifications
• Familiarity with Standard: VDI 2736 plastic gear design and testing guidelines
• Experience designing gears for angle sensors or similar rotary position sensor gear trains
• Proficient in 3D/2D CAD (Catia V5/V6 preferred) and Multibody dynamics (MBD)
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Solid foundation in polymer material properties, injection molding processes, and gear metrology
• Familiarity with PLM systems, BOM structuring, engineering changes, and deviation processes

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate gearboxes and actuators
• Design, develop, and validate plastic gears and gear trains for angle sensors and other mechatronic sensing/actuation applications
• Perform gearbox design calculations, tolerance analysis, and tooth form optimization using KISSsoft
• Specify and verify gear quality and tolerance requirements in accordance with Standard: ISO 1328
• Apply plastic gear design guidelines per Standard: VDI 2736 accounting for shrinkage, thermal expansion, moisture absorption, and wear
• Create detailed 3D models of plastic gears, gearboxes, shafts, etc.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate gear trains with angle sensors and other position-sensing components
• Coordinate injection-molded gear tooling, sampling, and validation efforts with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
• Develop and execute design verification plans and reports (DVP&R) for gear performance, durability, and NVH
• Lead and maintain design failure mode and effects analyses (DFMEAs) for gear and sensor assemblies
• Prototype and iterate designs using hands-on fabrication, gear metrology, and lab testing to validate functionality

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed