Sr. Supplier Development Engineer, Drive Unit

Rivian • Normal, IL

10d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Plant Support) – Drive Unit, you are the ultimate "boots on the ground" problem solver for our manufacturing plant. You will serve as the first line of defense and immediate responder for supplier-related issues on the production floor, focusing on Drive Unit assemblies, sub-assemblies, and propulsion components (including gearboxes, electric motors, rotors/stators, and power electronics) across our R1, R2, and EDV vehicle programs. Utilizing processes based on VDA and AIAG standards, you will collaborate directly with powertrain assembly, machining, testing, and quality teams to execute rapid containments, drive root cause analysis, and ensure production lines keep moving. This role is highly dynamic and requires a "wheels on shoes" mentality, especially as we scale up for the critical R2 launch.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of manufacturing, quality, or engineering-related experience in a high-precision manufacturing environment
• 1+ years of automotive supplier quality or quality engineering experience (direct experience with automotive powertrains, drive units, rotating machinery, or high-voltage electric vehicle systems is highly preferred)
• Strong understanding of precision machining, casting, torque specifications, leak testing, and automated assembly processes
• Familiarity with NVH testing data, metrology, and interpretation of complex engineering prints (GD&T)
• Strong, practical knowledge of automotive quality processes, VDA/AIAG standards, and 8D problem-solving methods
• Proven ability to thrive in a highly dynamic, physically active plant environment (the "boots on the ground" mentality)
• Willingness and ability to work flexible, extended hours to support critical vehicle launches (e.g., R2)
• Excellent negotiation, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills
• Ability to travel to supplier facilities on short notice when localized escalation is required

Nice To Haves

• direct experience with automotive powertrains, drive units, rotating machinery, or high-voltage electric vehicle systems is highly preferred

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary responder for line calls related to Drive Unit components and castings, executing immediate containment actions to protect the assembly line
• Triage and route supplier issues identified during End of Line (EOL) dyno testing, NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) tracking, and leak test reviews to the correct stakeholders
• Generate Rivian Rapid Response initiatives to implement immediate, robust containment strategies for sub-tier component defects within the Drive Unit facility
• Implement short-term and long-term countermeasures, including torque monitoring, error-proofing (poka-yokes), and gauging improvements, to resolve powertrain roadblocks
• Author formal Rivian documentation, technical spill reports, and non-conformance metrics for supplier-related propulsion components
• Play a critical, hands-on role in the R2 launch, coordinating containment and resolving complex mechanical or electro-mechanical component issues in real time
• Maintain flexibility to work extended or non-traditional hours as needed to support critical launch phases and machining/assembly builds
• Perform rigorous root cause analysis (RCA) and drive 8D corrective actions for Drive Unit field returns, dyno failures, and machining tolerance deviations
• Partner closely with component-specific Part SDEs to communicate teardown findings, verify supplier corrective actions, and drive permanent clean points at the tier-1 facility
• Lead regular technical review and component teardown meetings with cross-functional engineering representatives to establish actionable plans for improving overall Drive Unit yield and performance
• Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant-level supplier powertrain quality
• Ensure all localized quality procedures, leak testing limits, and containment loops satisfy internal audits and engineering requirements
• Train cross-functional plant teams on specialized quality systems, torque validation, and 8D problem-solving methodologies
• Conduct internal and process audits of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure strict powertrain plant compliance

Benefits

• paid vacation
• paid sick leave
• life insurance
• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• short-term disability insurance
• long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program

What This Job Offers

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