Computational Physics Internship Jobs in Riverside, CA

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

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Sr. Soiling and Water Management Engineer to join our Environmental Performance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for vehicle-level target setting, simulation of soiling and water management scenarios, test standard development, vehicle-level testing support and eventually attribute performance sign-off. You will utilize advanced multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods to model complex particle and fluid flows (rain, mud, snow, dust) and validate these models through rigorous wind tunnel and proving grounds testing. Your work will directly influence exterior design, aerodynamic surfacing, and active cleaning systems, ensuring Rivian vehicles operate flawlessly in the harshest environments.

Responsibilities
Simulation & Analysis: Execute high-fidelity Soiling and Water Management simulations (CFD) to optimize vehicle performance in a wide variety of environments from deep water to soiling and cleaning of sensor suites.Attribute Target Setting: Conduct product research to highlight industry trends and identify opportunities for future product differentiation. Collect and compile a comprehensive database of key benchmarking metrics within the competitive landscape. Collaborate with sub-attribute and subsystem teams to develop product performance targets based on program initiatives and analysis from competitive benchmarkingTesting & Validation: Coordinate with the Test & Development (T&D) team to assign DVPs to test blocks on validation assets and track progress toward their completion.
Support environmental performance testing (e.g. water fording and soiling validation) to correlate digital models with real-world vehicle performance.Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with ADAS, Thermal, Studio, and body teams to ensure Environmental Performance targets are met within the broader context of vehicle development.AI-Driven Workflow: Leverage machine learning and advanced scripting to automate simulation post-processing, identifying performance patterns and drastically reducing turnaround times for complex physics.Technical Communication: Synthesize complex fluid dynamics phenomena into actionable reports, providing clear guidance to senior leadership and cross-functional partners. Create and present reports of simulation, test results and recommendations. Provide technical assistance to engineers; propose solutions to issues when found.Work hard, exceed expectations, challenge industry conventions, and relentlessly strive to make truly exceptional products
Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering; with focus on fluid dynamics is preferred. 

• Experience: 5+ years of experience (including internships or Formula Student/FSAE experience) in automotive or aerospace industries in product development and design. 

• Technical Skills: Foundational knowledge of commercial CFD codes and their application to fluid flow problems. (Preonlab, PowerFlow, Star CCM+)

• Familiarity with CAD software (CATIA V6 preferred) for surface manipulation and model preparation. ANSA is plus.

• Soft Skills: Proven track record of problem-solving and independent root cause analysis. Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical findings to a variety of stakeholders.

• Mindset: A "can-do" attitude with a proven track record of managing projects from concept to completion in a team environment.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Possess a valid driver’s license.

• Ability to travel up to 40%.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $121,500 - $151,900 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.

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 and Technology

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.  

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.

Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering; with focus on fluid dynamics is preferred. 

• Experience: 5+ years of experience (including internships or Formula Student/FSAE experience) in automotive or aerospace industries in product development and design. 

• Technical Skills: Foundational knowledge of commercial CFD codes and their application to fluid flow problems. (Preonlab, PowerFlow, Star CCM+)

• Familiarity with CAD software (CATIA V6 preferred) for surface manipulation and model preparation. ANSA is plus.

• Soft Skills: Proven track record of problem-solving and independent root cause analysis. Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical findings to a variety of stakeholders.

• Mindset: A "can-do" attitude with a proven track record of managing projects from concept to completion in a team environment.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Possess a valid driver’s license.

• Ability to travel up to 40%.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME