Contract Cae Durability 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. 

In this position, you will use CAE tools to drive solutions for Vehicle Hardware Closures/ Structures/ Chassis system components. You will ensure these components meet all government and Rivian internal durability requirements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to find optimal solutions that satisfy all Structure system requirements and company goals. This is a fully onsite role based at our engineering Headquarters in Irvine California.

• Lead subsystem level Durability CAE analysis of Rivian’s vehicles by developing and executing analysis plans with a focus on Strength and Fatigue of Closures, Body Structure Recovery Zones, Accessory Mounting Zones, Trailer Hitch, Subframes, Knuckles, & Suspension link systems. This involves leading 1-2 concurrent CAE-intensive projects with small cross-functional teams, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality subsystem simulation results and their effective utilization in a fast paced program cycle while supporting optimal resource utilization.
• Accurately model critical physical connections (spot welds, seam welds, adhesives, bolts, grommets, seals,  hard points etc.) and boundary conditions using models that comply with subsystem durability standards to develop highly predictive analysis method for non-linear strength and fatigue performance, and correlate with physical test results. 
• Extract relevant duty cycle, abuse, and Random Vibration PSD/fatigue time history loads from Vehicle Dynamics/RLD inputs. Conduct detailed non-linear analysis to predict performance, including bolt slip and preload loss, and utilize advanced techniques with nCode for comprehensive fatigue prediction (spot weld, seam weld, & parent metal).
• Apply first principles,  animations, and time slices to model and predict automotive durability failure modes, develop strong countermeasures and guide Design Engineers to support robust design development considering DFM & other aspects..
• Support the development of new analytical methods and highly predictive virtual validation procedures that correlate well and reduce physical testing need, and proactively maintain/improve documentation for Best Practices, Design Standards, and Technical Specifications.

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline. 
• 5+ Years (Preferred) experience in Automotive CAE
• Time spent in a relevant Master’s degree program may count towards work Experience
• Proven ability to perform automotive structure durability analysis using ABAQUS and nCode. Ability to utilize Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) tools to extract high-fidelity duty cycles; proficiency in Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) and MNF model generation for flexible body integration is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of design development to deliver the fatigue/ Key Life Test performance and meet FMVSS, ECE, & Due care durability requirements . Experience developing efficient countermeasures for automotive structures / chassis systems with demonstrated understanding of design and manufacturing constraints.
• Deep knowledge of welding metallurgy (MIG, Spot, Laser) and its influence on material properties and fatigue behavior to optimize joint configurations.
• Knowledge of work flow development using AI/ Machine Learning  to accelerate durability CAE cycles and improve predictive accuracy.
• Ability to communicate clearly to a broad audience through verbal and written methods to facilitate collaboration and drive project success.
• A deep passion and commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, along with the courage to ask for help when facing challenges.

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.

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.

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline. 
• 5+ Years (Preferred) experience in Automotive CAE
• Time spent in a relevant Master’s degree program may count towards work Experience
• Proven ability to perform automotive structure durability analysis using ABAQUS and nCode. Ability to utilize Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) tools to extract high-fidelity duty cycles; proficiency in Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) and MNF model generation for flexible body integration is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of design development to deliver the fatigue/ Key Life Test performance and meet FMVSS, ECE, & Due care durability requirements . Experience developing efficient countermeasures for automotive structures / chassis systems with demonstrated understanding of design and manufacturing constraints.
• Deep knowledge of welding metallurgy (MIG, Spot, Laser) and its influence on material properties and fatigue behavior to optimize joint configurations.
• Knowledge of work flow development using AI/ Machine Learning  to accelerate durability CAE cycles and improve predictive accuracy.
• Ability to communicate clearly to a broad audience through verbal and written methods to facilitate collaboration and drive project success.
• A deep passion and commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, along with the courage to ask for help when facing challenges.