Sr. Technical Program Manager, Advanced R&D

Rivian • Tustin, CA

8d

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.

Join Rivian’s Battery Engineering team to develop next-generation, cutting-edge battery technologies for upcoming vehicle platforms.
Manage the R&D budget and track equipment, facility needs, and test resources – guiding projects from initial proof-of-concept experiments and advanced characterization to technical validation and final vehicle implementation.
Partner with engineers and managers across Battery Engineering to govern technical progress, ensuring development status aligns with critical milestones.
Synchronize requirements and deliverables with Rivian’s Vehicle Program, Supply Chain, Control/Software, and Manufacturing teams.
Build strategic relationships with external vendors, startups, universities, national labs, and government entities to draft a 5-to-10-year technology roadmap.
Utilize Jira, Confluence, and other project management tools to ensure all documentation is coordinated and milestones are met, aiming for zero late releases and late parts during concept and build phases.
Manage open-issue lists with internal stakeholders and external vendors; proactively escalate risks to mitigate impact on early-stage programs.
Oversee all BOM costs and support purchasing and procurement for R&D parts and lab equipment while optimizing team resources across various stakeholders.
Anticipate up to 25% travel to support on-site development and collaborative face-to-face discussions

Requirements

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, plus 3+ years of industrial experience.
• A strong understanding of electrochemical processes and battery materials/components (e.g., cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, foil, binder, etc.) for lithium-ion cell technology.
• Proven experience in consumer electronics, automotive, or cell manufacturing preferred and a deep knowledge of battery (cell/pack) and materials/component development (e.g., potting, adhesive, busbar, CCA, seal, enclosure, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience developing "beyond lithium-ion" technologies and linking current state-of-the-art methods to emerging cell chemistries (e.g., all-solid state, semi-solid state, sodium-ion, etc.).
• Ability to lead cross-functional efforts integrating chips/sensors and advanced electrochemical methods (e.g., EIS, DVA) to tune model accuracy across material, electrode, cell, module, and pack levels.
• Experience coordinating efforts to improve advanced modeling and algorithms using experimental inputs and/or ML-based approaches to enhance fast-charge times, durability, and real-time diagnostics.
• Proficiency in working with data scientists and machine learning engineers to collect and analyze large datasets and key design parameters.
• Ability to create feedback loops that inform future R&D work for optimal pack and EV performance attributes.
• Professional experience with Jira, Confluence, Jama, and Smartsheet.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to lead diverse, cross-functional groups and drive complex projects to completion.

Responsibilities

• Manage the R&D budget and track equipment, facility needs, and test resources – guiding projects from initial proof-of-concept experiments and advanced characterization to technical validation and final vehicle implementation.
• Partner with engineers and managers across Battery Engineering to govern technical progress, ensuring development status aligns with critical milestones.
• Synchronize requirements and deliverables with Rivian’s Vehicle Program, Supply Chain, Control/Software, and Manufacturing teams.
• Build strategic relationships with external vendors, startups, universities, national labs, and government entities to draft a 5-to-10-year technology roadmap.
• Utilize Jira, Confluence, and other project management tools to ensure all documentation is coordinated and milestones are met, aiming for zero late releases and late parts during concept and build phases.
• Manage open-issue lists with internal stakeholders and external vendors; proactively escalate risks to mitigate impact on early-stage programs.
• Oversee all BOM costs and support purchasing and procurement for R&D parts and lab equipment while optimizing team resources across various stakeholders.
• Anticipate up to 25% travel to support on-site development and collaborative face-to-face discussions

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