Staff Mechanical Engineer - Closures/Latching Systems

Rivian•Irvine, CA

About The Position

About Rivian 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. Role Summary As the Staff Body Closures Handle and Latch Design & Release Engineer, you will take full ownership of the end-to-end development, integration, and release of next-generation handle and latch mechanisms. Driving programs from early technology concepts through production and field support, you will manage complex supplier relationships, release critical components in Catia V6/Enovia PLM, and balance strict cost, weight, and timing constraints. This hands-on role combines CAD design, first-principles physics, and multi-functional leadership to resolve complex technical issues, establish engineering standards (DFMEAs, test procedures), and mentor junior engineers across the team.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
7+ years (Preferred) of automotive engineering experience with a heavy focus on latching systems, Handles, and closures mechanisms.
Deep understanding of 1st-principle physics—loads, kinematics, forces, and trade-offs between packaging, function, and manufacturing.
Proven track record of managing Tier-1 supplier teams to deliver high-volume mechanism products on schedule.
Hands-on CAD design experience for mechanisms, closures, or structural components (Catia V6 / Enovia PLM preferred).
Proficiency in tolerance stackup analysis and component tolerancing across varied materials and manufacturing processes.
Demonstrated capability in leveraging CAE data to drive design decisions and optimization.
Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to self-direct and resolve multi-disciplinary issues under program pressure.
Willingness to travel to supplier, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required.

Responsibilities

Take full end-to-end ownership for the design, development, release, and lifecycle management of vehicle handle and latching mechanisms.
Drive the architecture and implementation of new handle and latch technologies that elevate the overall customer experience.
Establish and maintain core engineering standards, technical specifications, design guidelines, and quality documentation (DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans).
Develop noise and environmental factor management strategies, addressing water intrusion, freezing conditions, and latch sound quality.
Serve as the technical approver for closure subsystem designs at key vehicle program milestones.
Decompose vehicle-level functional requirements into sub-system and component-level specifications.
Lead cross-functional integration with Body Engineering, Studio Design, Quality, and Customer Experience teams.
Manage component delivery in Catia V6 and Enovia PLM, balancing strict cost, weight, packaging, and timing constraints.
Direct supplier engagement, simulation analysis (CAE), prototype builds, tolerance stackups, and validation testing.
Lead root-cause problem solving for complex field and manufacturing issues, embedding campaign prevention into future standards
Mentor and develop junior engineering team members.