Battery Phd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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. 

The Battery Cell Modeling Engineer is a key technical role within the Battery Cell Engineering team. In this Sr-level position, you will be responsible for creating validated P2D models for characterizing DCFC capability of cells, linking cell testing data and physical modeling results to program decisions and cross-functional workflows. You will anchor the team's first-principles capabilities, focusing on deep physics and heat-generation modeling to free up existing resources and drive next-gen cell development.

• DCFC Characterization: Lead the development and validation of P2D and electrochemical-thermal models specifically aimed at defining the fast-charge boundaries of new and active cell programs.
• Deep Physics & Heat Gen: Use a first-principles approach to go deeper on heat generation mechanisms, moving beyond standard CFD approaches to provide high-fidelity cell models.
• Program Support: Act as the primary technical point of contact for active programs (e.g., P2D support), ensuring cell models are accurately represented in vehicle-level performance targets.
• Automation Leadership: Champion an "automation-first" mindset, building frameworks that allow for faster, more repeatable simulation runs and standardizing outputs with minimal manual intervention.
• Model Integration: Work with thermal and system engineers to integrate cell models into broader battery thermal management systems, addressing temperature non-uniformity and pack-level behavior.

• M.S. or PhD in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.

• 5+ years of academic/industry experience in modeling complex physical systems, with a mastery of lithium-ion battery operating principles.

• Expertise in P2D modeling, charge transport, and reaction kinetics.

• Strong instincts for automation and building scalable modeling frameworks.

The salary range for this role is USD 107,800 - 134,800 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.
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 20, 2026

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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• M.S. or PhD in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.

• 5+ years of academic/industry experience in modeling complex physical systems, with a mastery of lithium-ion battery operating principles.

• Expertise in P2D modeling, charge transport, and reaction kinetics.

• Strong instincts for automation and building scalable modeling frameworks.