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 a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Plant Support) – Exteriors, 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 exterior commodities—including body panels, fascias, lighting, glass, and trim—across our R1, R2, and EDV vehicle programs. Utilizing processes based on VDA and AIAG standards, you will collaborate directly with plant manufacturing, quality, stamping, and body-in-white 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. Responsibilities Plant Operations & Fast Response: Act as the primary responder for line calls related to exterior components, executing immediate containment actions to protect production velocity Triage and route supplier issues identified during Craftsmanship audits, gap/flush inspections, and Care line reviews to the correct stakeholders Generate Rivian Rapid Response initiatives to implement immediate, robust containment strategies for exterior cosmetic or structural defects within the plant Implement short-term and long-term countermeasures, including error-proofing (poka-yokes) and fixture adjustments, to resolve exterior part variations and plant roadblocks Author formal Rivian documentation, quality alerts, and non-conformance reports for supplier-related exterior issues Launch Support & Problem Solving: Play a critical, hands-on role in the R2 launch, coordinating containment and resolving dimensional, fitment, and surface finish 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 exterior part defects, paint/finish imperfections, and craftsmanship alignment failures Partner closely with component-specific Part SDEs to communicate plant-level dimensional or cosmetic trends, verify supplier corrective actions, and drive permanent clean points Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement: Lead regular fit-and-finish matrix reviews with cross-functional teams to establish actionable plans for improving overall vehicle perceived quality and exterior alignment 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, dimensional tracking tools, and 8D problem-solving methodologies Conduct internal and process audits of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure strict plant compliance Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing 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 exteriors, injection molding, stamping, or lighting is highly preferred) Expert-level understanding of GD&T, metrology, fixture verification, and engineering drawing interpretation to diagnose fit-and-flush issues Strong, practical knowledge of automotive quality processes, VDA/AIAG standards, and 8D problem-solving methods 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) 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 Pay Disclosure Salary Range for Illinois Based Applicants: The salary range for this position is $89,900 - $112,400 for Illinois based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards. Benefits Summary: 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. You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than June 26, 2026. 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.
Sr. Supplier Development Engineer, Exteriors
Rivian is seeking a Sr. Supplier Development Engineer for their manufacturing plant, focusing on exterior components. This role involves responding to supplier-related issues on the production floor, conducting root cause analysis, implementing containment strategies, and ensuring quality standards are met. The position requires a strong understanding of automotive quality processes and problem-solving methodologies, with a hands-on approach to resolving defects and improving vehicle perceived quality.
What you'd actually do
- Act as the primary responder for line calls related to exterior components, executing immediate containment actions to protect production velocity
- Triage and route supplier issues identified during Craftsmanship audits, gap/flush inspections, and Care line reviews to the correct stakeholders
- Generate Rivian Rapid Response initiatives to implement immediate, robust containment strategies for exterior cosmetic or structural defects within the plant
- Implement short-term and long-term countermeasures, including error-proofing (poka-yokes) and fixture adjustments, to resolve exterior part variations and plant roadblocks
- Author formal Rivian documentation, quality alerts, and non-conformance reports for supplier-related exterior issues
Skills
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing 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
- Expert-level understanding of GD&T, metrology, fixture verification, and engineering drawing interpretation
- Strong, practical knowledge of automotive quality processes, VDA/AIAG standards, and 8D problem-solving methods
- Proven ability to thrive in a highly dynamic, physically active plant environment
- Willingness and ability to work flexible, extended hours to support critical vehicle launches
Nice to have
- direct experience with automotive exteriors, injection molding, stamping, or lighting is highly preferred
- 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
What the JD emphasized
- exterior commodities
- exterior part variations
- exterior cosmetic or structural defects
- exterior part defects
- exterior alignment