Sr. Supplier Development Engineer , Interiors, Wire Harness, & Electronics

Rivian•Normal, IL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Plant Support) – Interiors, Wire Harness, & Electronics, 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 interior systems, wire harnesses, and electronic components across our R1, R2, and EDV vehicle programs. Utilizing processes based on VDA and AIAG standards, you will collaborate directly with plant manufacturing, quality, and production control 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 Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical discipline.
3+ years of manufacturing, quality, or engineering-related experience in a fast-paced environment.
1+ years of automotive supplier quality or quality engineering experience (direct experience with automotive interiors, wire harnesses, or electronic assemblies is highly preferred).
Strong, practical knowledge of automotive quality processes, VDA/AIAG standards, and 8D problem-solving methods.
Basic understanding of electrical distribution systems (EDS), circuit integrity, or electronic modules is a significant plus.
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).
Solid understanding of Metrology, Inspection Methods, GD&T, and engineering drawing interpretation.
Strong background in Lean Manufacturing and standard health and safety practices.
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 interiors, wire harnesses, or electronic assemblies is highly preferred
Basic understanding of electrical distribution systems (EDS), circuit integrity, or electronic modules is a significant plus

Responsibilities

Act as the primary responder for line calls related to interior, wire harness, and electronics parts, executing immediate containment actions to protect the line.
Triage and route supplier issues identified during Craftsmanship audits, End of Line (EOL) electrical checks, and Care line reviews to the correct stakeholders.
Generate Rivian Rapid Response initiatives to implement immediate, robust containment strategies for supplier issues within the plant.
Implement short-term and long-term countermeasures, including error-proofing (poka-yokes), to resolve supplier defects and eliminate plant roadblocks.
Author formal Rivian documentation, quality alerts, and non-conformance reports for supplier-related issues.
Play a critical, hands-on role in the R2 launch, coordinating containment and resolving complex component issues in real time.
Maintain flexibility to work extended or non-traditional hours as needed to support critical launch phases and production builds.
Perform rigorous root cause analysis (RCA) and drive 8D corrective actions for part defects, functional electrical failures, and craftsmanship audit findings.
Partner closely with component-specific Part SDEs to communicate plant-level issues, verify supplier corrective actions, and drive permanent clean points at the source.
Lead regular inspection and teardown meetings with cross-functional teams to establish actionable plans for improving overall build and electrical quality.
Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant-level supplier quality.
Ensure all localized quality procedures and containment loops satisfy internal audits and customer requirements.
Train cross-functional plant teams on quality systems, procedural applications, and 8D problem-solving methodologies.
Conduct internal and process audits of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure strict plant compliance.