What you'd actually do

Develop lubrication strategies for electric drive units, gearboxes, differentials, and half shafts to meet durability, efficiency, NVH, and thermal targets across the full vehicle duty cycle.

Utilize first-principles engineering—specifically in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Heat Transfer—to develop innovative component designs and system architectures from the ground up.

Lead the design of lubrication system components such as pumps, filters, seals, and plastic injection molded components from concept to production release.

Create component specifications with detailed design requirements and validation plans that support higher level lubrication system and drive unit requirements.

Analyze field and development test data to identify lubrication-related issues (noise, wear, varnish, deposits, leaks) and drive robust root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

Skills

Required

Mechanical Engineering
Fluid Mechanics
Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Component Design
Lubrication Systems
CAD
PLM
GD&T
Root Cause Analysis
Data Analysis
Technical Documentation
Supplier Management
Cross-functional Collaboration

Nice to have

Master's degree
CATIA/ENOVIA
FEA
MFA
CFD
SPH
Thermal/oil flow tools
Tribology
Lubricant formulation

What the JD emphasized

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.

5+ years of relevant experience in lubrication engineering, component design, or closely related roles in automotive, off-highway, industrial gearboxes, or similar applications.

Strong CAD skills with experience in 3D parametric modeling, 2D drawing creation, and PLM systems (CATIA/ENOVIA preferred).

Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards for radial and linear stackups.

Familiarity with system analysis and simulation tools (e.g., FEA, MFA, CFD, SPH, or thermal/oil flow tools) is strongly preferred.

Experience designing or reviewing validation plans and accelerated tests for lubrication performance based on vehicle duty cycles and environmental conditions.

Experience in tribology, thin-film lubrication theory, and lubricant formulation is a bonus.

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. Responsibilities Develop lubrication strategies for electric drive units, gearboxes, differentials, and half shafts to meet durability, efficiency, NVH, and thermal targets across the full vehicle duty cycle. Utilize first-principles engineering—specifically in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Heat Transfer—to develop innovative component designs and system architectures from the ground up. Lead the design of lubrication system components such as pumps, filters, seals, and plastic injection molded components from concept to production release. Create component specifications with detailed design requirements and validation plans that support higher level lubrication system and drive unit requirements. Lead suppliers and the internal cross functional team to ensure components meet all design, manufacturing, commercial, quality, and service requirements. On-site supplier support will be required during product launch. Document design best practices and lessons learned to support continuous improvement activities and streamline the product development cycle. Partner with System, DRE, Materials, Reliability, and Test teams to incorporate lubrication needs into design concepts, DFMEAs, validation plans, and design reviews. Design experiments and test equipment to support bench, rig, dyno, and vehicle tests focused on lubrication system and component performance. Analyze field and development test data to identify lubrication-related issues (noise, wear, varnish, deposits, leaks) and drive robust root-cause analysis and corrective actions. Prepare clear technical documentation and reports, and present recommendations and trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. General: 5+ years of relevant experience in lubrication engineering, component design, or closely related roles in automotive, off-highway, industrial gearboxes, or similar applications. CAD & PLM: Strong CAD skills with experience in 3D parametric modeling, 2D drawing creation, and PLM systems (CATIA/ENOVIA preferred). Standards: Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards for radial and linear stackups. Simulation: Familiarity with system analysis and simulation tools (e.g., FEA, MFA, CFD, SPH, or thermal/oil flow tools) is strongly preferred. Validation: Experience designing or reviewing validation plans and accelerated tests for lubrication performance based on vehicle duty cycles and environmental conditions. Tribology: Experience in tribology, thin-film lubrication theory, and lubricant formulation is a bonus. Ability to work independently, structure ambiguous problems, and drive decisions. Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to clearly explain complex design and lubrication topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Hands-on, data-driven approach to problem solving, including root-cause analysis of test or field issues and clear documentation of findings and next steps. A continuous-learning mindset and curiosity to explore new technologies and manufacturing methods that improve efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Location Plymouth, MI (13250 N. Haggerty Road) or other Rivian development centers as business needs evolve. Pay Disclosure Salary Range Michigan-Based Applicants: $98,500-$123,100 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Equal Opportunity Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.