Sr. Technical Program Manager - Body

Rivian•Normal, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Rivian's Body Manufacturing Engineering (ME) team designs, launches, and continuously optimizes world-class manufacturing systems to produce safe, high-quality vehicles at scale. As a Senior Technical Program Manager, you will lead cross-functional scope execution across joining, assembly, tooling, and simulation workstreams—translating program commitments into technical readiness and proactive risk mitigation. Body Manufacturing Engineering oversees joining processes, assembly line equipment, tooling strategy, and advanced simulation across product updates, DFM studies, and program management lifecycles. We are seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to serve as the connective tissue across joining, assembly equipment, tooling, and simulation disciplines—aligning key deliverables (cost, timing, quality, mass, and CAPEX/ED&D investment) with structured execution and proactive risk management. This role is located at our Normal, IL facility and reports directly to a Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related technical field); Advanced degree preferred.
4+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing engineering, technical program management, or body-in-white (BIW) development, with direct involvement in joining, assembly systems, or tooling programs.
Strong technical understanding of body-in-white manufacturing processes is preferred. Knowledge of joining methods (resistance spot welding, SPR, structural adhesive, laser welding), assembly tooling design/build lifecycles, DFM principles, and simulation analysis (stamping feasibility, tolerance stack-up, line accessibility) are preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-workstream programs in a fast-paced, matrixed environment—converting ambiguity into defined project scopes, key deliverables, and actionable timelines.
Proficiency with program management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira) and experience building program tracking structures from the ground up.
Proven track record collaborating with CAPEX, Supply Chain, Facilities, and Manufacturing teams to deliver tooling and equipment on time and within budget.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, applying a first-principles, systems-thinking approach to problem-solving and executive-level presentations.

Responsibilities

Drive the integrated program schedule for Body Manufacturing Engineering (joining, assembly, tool design, simulation, and DFM) from initial concept through SOSP and steady-state production.
Align cross-functional teams—including Design Engineering, Supply Chain, CAPEX/Finance, Facilities, and Plant Operations—to ensure equipment, tooling, and process readiness adhere to Rivian Development Process gate milestones.
Identify and mitigate program risks regarding cost, timing, quality, mass, and tooling budget through structured gate reviews, design evaluations, and issue resolution frameworks.
Translate advanced DFM studies and simulation insights into actionable design and process decisions, maintaining continuous feedback loops between simulation models, tool design, and line-side execution.
Manage technical engineering change requests, tooling modifications, and line trials for running product updates to minimize impact on production.
Oversee tooling vendors and equipment suppliers through schedule management, buy-off, installation, and commissioning milestones.
Establish and maintain standard program management practices (reporting cadences, dashboards, escalation paths) to translate complex engineering topics into executive-level communications.
Support prototype, pilot, and pre-production build events to ensure Body ME deliverables and launch readiness are actively managed.
Leverage data and AI tools to create auto-generated reports and dashboards to reduce administrative burden while focusing efforts on resolving real problems.
Responsible for driving escalation topics and focusing escalation pathways on problem resolution and productive outcomes.
Embody the "Rivian Compass" values across all workstreams and team interactions.