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Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Riverside, CA

Lighting Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering * Preferred: Experience at Exterior/interior Lamp ... Tier 1 or OEM * Capable of managing the full part lifecycle, including design, engineering ...

Lighting Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering * Preferred: Experience at Exterior/interior Lamp ... Tier 1 or OEM * Capable of managing the full part lifecycle, including design, engineering ...

Lighting Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering * Preferred: Experience at Exterior/interior Lamp ... Tier 1 or OEM * Capable of managing the full part lifecycle, including design, engineering ...

Ride and Handling Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field of study. * Prefer some relevant engineering internships or experience in the automotive industry * Formula SAE / Mini Baja

Ride and Handling Engineer II

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field of study. * Prefer some relevant engineering internships or experience in the automotive industry * Formula SAE / Mini Baja

Train and mentor junior and entry level engineers. * Coordinate work of the electrical design team ... Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering preferred * Previous experience ...

Train and mentor junior and entry level engineers. * Coordinate work of the electrical design team ... Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering preferred * Previous experience ...

Level I: Entry-level position responsible for basic engineering support activities including data entry, basic document management and performing measurements, mechanical or electrical work or basic ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$18

$34

$57

How much do entry level formula 1 mechanical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level formula 1 mechanical engineering in Riverside, CA is $34.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.08 and $39.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level Formula 1 mechanical engineer do?

An entry level Formula 1 mechanical engineer assists in designing, developing, and testing components for F1 cars under the supervision of senior engineers. Their responsibilities may include creating CAD models, performing simulations, supporting the assembly of car parts, and analyzing data from track tests. They work closely with other engineering teams to ensure the car's performance, reliability, and safety are optimized. Entry-level engineers often gain hands-on experience in the fast-paced environment of motorsport and have opportunities for rapid career growth.

What types of projects and hands-on experiences can entry-level mechanical engineers expect when joining a Formula 1 team?

Entry-level mechanical engineers in Formula 1 typically start by supporting senior engineers with tasks such as component design, data analysis, and reliability testing. You'll often rotate between departments—like aerodynamics, suspension, or powertrains—giving you exposure to the full car development process. Expect to be involved in CAD modeling, simulation work, and assisting with race preparation, which may include rapid prototyping and trackside support. Collaboration with other engineers, mechanics, and sometimes drivers is common, ensuring your work directly impacts car performance. These experiences offer a steep learning curve and valuable networking opportunities, setting a strong foundation for career progression within motorsport engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Formula 1 mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

Success as an Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineer requires a solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or automotive engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), finite element analysis tools, and data acquisition systems is highly valued. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. These skills ensure innovative and precise engineering solutions that directly impact race performance and team competitiveness.

Can I work in Formula 1 with a mechanical engineering degree?

Entry level mechanical engineering roles in Formula 1 typically require a relevant degree, strong problem-solving skills, and knowledge of CAD software and vehicle dynamics. Candidates often need internships or experience with high-performance engineering environments to qualify for these competitive positions.

How to get into entry level Formula 1 mechanical engineering?

To enter an entry-level Formula 1 mechanical engineering role, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical, automotive, or aerospace engineering, along with strong knowledge of vehicle dynamics, materials, and CAD software. Gaining experience through internships, participating in motorsport projects, and developing skills in data analysis and rapid prototyping can improve chances of entry into the field.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Formula 1 Mechanical Engineering job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,043 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Lighting Mechanical Engineer

Rivian

Irvine, CA • On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

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
In this role, you will act as the technical owner and lead for your assigned parts, serving as the primary authority for the development and final sign-off of innovative lighting solutions. You are responsible for defining and managing part requirements throughout the entire lifecycle, ensuring all designs meet strict manufacturability and compliance standards. By bridging the gap between Studio, Engineering, and Suppliers, you'll facilitate seamless component integration and clear communication across the business. Your analytical skills and creative problem-solving will drive these lighting systems from initial concept through to successful mass production.
Responsibilities
  • Translate aesthetic styling visions into feasible, production-ready interior lighting and exterior lighting solutions.
  • Solve technical problems and evaluate design trade-offs using first-principles reasoning and root-cause analysis, leveraging expertise in plastics, injection molding, optical design, and electronics to ensure all parts and assemblies are optimized for high-volume manufacturing.
  • Apply GD&T principles and perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure fit, finish, and perceived quality standards are achieved.
  • Lead the development of DFMEA. Ensure that requirements are defined and then validated with the DVP&R.
  • Manage Tier 1 supplier relationships including RFQ documentation, technical design reviews, and the integration of supplier feedback.
  • Execute engineering change management and maintain accurate Bills of Materials using Enovia. Create and manage 3D and 2D data with Catia V6.
  • Align engineering deliverables with commercial program targets including appearance, cost, weight, durability, legal requirements and timing objectives.
  • Communicate technical concepts effectively to stakeholders and leadership to drive cross-functional collaboration between studio design, manufacturing, and program management to resolve complex engineering issues.

Qualifications
  • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • Preferred: Experience at Exterior/interior Lamp development at a Tier 1 or OEM
  • Capable of managing the full part lifecycle, including design, engineering validation, and release to production systems.
  • Ability to design injection molded parts with good understanding of injection molding design guide lines.
  • Understanding of methods for fixing plastic components together.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in CAD tools, with the ability to create, manipulate, and review geometry to communicate concepts and design intent. Ideally proficient in CATIA V5/V6.
  • Capable of Generating 3D geometry & sectional data. (Key module utilization: Part design & Geometric Surface design)
  • Able to apply fundamental and first principles to identify analyze and resolve Technical Challenges

Pay Disclosure
The salary range for this role is $85,600-$107,000 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
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.
AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.
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.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009