Sr. Polymer Chemist

Rivian • Hayward, CA

4d

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

• BS with 5+ years, MS with 3+ years, or a fresh PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering with a focus on polymer chemistry.
• Experienced in polymer formulation/chemistry of acrylics, polyurethanes, silicones, and epoxies with strong knowledge of the interplay between polymer backbones, chain length, and mechanical/thermal/environmental functionality.
• Proven ability to quantify adhesive joint integrity, CTE matching, flame retardancy, and environmental performance
• Proficient in a wide array of characterization techniques such as DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, FTIR, and Instron.
• Strong project planning and execution skills, with the ability to define clear objectives, break down complex tasks, and establish realistic timelines for successful project delivery.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to summarize and present insights from large datasets clearly and concisely.
• Availability to travel up to 25% to collaborate with material suppliers and internal manufacturing sites, ensuring seamless technology transfer from the R&D lab to high-volume production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development for adhesives, seals, potting, and thermal interface materials (TIMs) for high-performance battery packs.
• Leverage your deep chemistry expertise to develop novel formulations while benchmarking market-leading solutions.
• Identify materials opportunity by establishing key metrics, such as, cost, performance, reliability, and safety
• Conduct hands-on characterization (DSC, TGA, DMA) to identify failure modes and optimize adhesion, sealing, dielectric, and thermal performance.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams specializing in module and pack design, simulation, manufacturing, and Supply Chain to balance performance, cost, reliability, and safety.
• Document data and analysis clearly and make presentations to communicate findings to stakeholders and leadership

Benefits

• The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level