Airflow Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in underhood thermal performance and integration. You will own front-end airflow requirements, vehicle-level Active Grille Shutter (AGS) strategy, overall underhood thermal performance, and final vehicle-level validation for all vehicle programs.
With your expertise and experience, you will link vehicle-level thermal and charging performance requirements to underhood airflow volume and temperature targets. You will work with cross-functional teams to drive the design of front-end openings, AGS, duct optimization, sealing, and ORFM. Your work will ensure performance targets are met and validated through program milestones and final Design Verification Plans (DVPs). This role is pivotal in fostering cross-functional alignment and resolving complex engineering challenges related to thermal optimization and vehicle efficiency.
Responsibilities
Lead vehicle level thermal benchmark activities with a focus on front end design, AGS strategy, airflow, and thermal architecture
Drive the overall integration of front-end and underhood thermal performance with stakeholders in Design Studio, Aerodynamics, Thermal Engineering, and Controls.
Establish front-end airflow targets using a deep understanding of thermal system architecture to ensure all charging and performance goals are met.
Interface with cross-functional teams to develop and align on coherent vehicle level AGS strategies to meet targets from all related vehicle attributes, e.g., performance, efficiency, stone protection
Responsible for underhood thermal DVPs for both stationary and dynamic cases on both airflow volume and temperature requirements
Data analysis for vehicle level testing especially on ORFM airflow, temperature pickup, front end air-recirculation, etc.
Work with cross-functional simulation teams to review 3D CFD and 1D vehicle simulation results
Collaborate with 1D thermal simulation teams to further improve the accuracy of front- end heat exchanger performance
Support Vehicle level testing in wind tunnel
Qualifications
Engineering Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited University with a strong background in Thermal Science
10+ years of experience with automotive thermal attributes, systems, and components at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier
Expert-level understanding of vehicle AGS, airflow duct and ORFM at both system and vehicle levels.
Strong fundamentals of heat-transfer and thermodynamic devices like heat exchangers, compressors, valves, pumps, fans, and heaters along with their subsystem and system- level interactions.
Hands-on experience on automotive airflow measurement with Torrington or similar devices.
Experience with CFD software and simulation (Element, Powerflow, StarCCM+, Fluent)
Experience with 1D simulation tools such like GT Suite, Matlab / Simulink
Knowledge on HVAC and Cabin systems is a plus
Knowledge and experience on brake cooling is a plus
Thermal chamber/Climatic wind tunnel testing experience is a great plus
Expert knowledge of HV battery, Electrified Drive unit and Power Electronics is a great plus
Deep knowledge of thermal drive cycles and hand on test experience is a great plus
Experience in vehicle engineering and attributes is desired
Proven track record of problem solving and independent root cause analysis
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skill
Travel: 25%
Must have a valid driver's license in the state of residence that you will be
driving/operating a vehicle
Pay Disclosure
The salary range for this role is $154,000 - $192,500 for California 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.
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.
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.
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How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.
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