Entry Level Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Riverside, CA

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. 

We are looking for a motivated Junior Fluid Dynamics Engineer to join our team and contribute to the aerodynamic development of our next-generation electric adventure vehicles. In this role, you will provide critical technical support to the aerodynamics team, moving from early-stage simulations to real-world production validation. 

As an entry-level engineer, you will work under the guidance of Senior and Staff engineers to balance the demands of drag reduction, lift balance, and cooling requirements with the aesthetic vision of our Design Studio. This is a hands-on role where you will transform raw fluid-dynamics data into actionable insights that help define the efficiency and capabilities of our fleet. 

• Simulation & Analysis: Execute high-fidelity CFD campaigns across Aerodynamics, Soiling, and Water Management to optimize vehicle range and ensure the environmental reliability of autonomous sensor suites.
• 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.
• Design Strategy: Collaborate with the Design and Styling teams to provide data-driven feedback on surface development, balancing aesthetic intent with the technical requirements for water runoff and soil mitigation.
• Testing & Validation: Support both wind tunnel and environmental test programs (including water fording and soiling validation) to correlate digital models with real-world sensor performance and vehicle efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with Autonomous Hardware, Thermal, and Range teams to ensure Aerodynamics & Environmental Performance targets are met within the broader context of vehicle development.
• Technical Communication: Synthesize complex fluid dynamics phenomena into actionable reports, providing clear guidance to senior leadership and cross-functional partners.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; a focus on fluid dynamics or aerodynamics is preferred. 
• Experience: 0–2 years of experience (including internships or Formula Student/FSAE experience) in automotive or aerospace aerodynamics. 
• Technical Skills: Foundational knowledge of commercial CFD codes and their application to fluid flow problems.
  • Familiarity with CAD software (CATIA V6 preferred) for surface manipulation and model preparation.
  • Strong Python or MATLAB skills for data analysis and workflow automation.
• Soft Skills: 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 travel up to 20%.

The salary range for this role is $95,400 - $106,000 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. 
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 April 30th, 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.

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.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; a focus on fluid dynamics or aerodynamics is preferred. 
• Experience: 0–2 years of experience (including internships or Formula Student/FSAE experience) in automotive or aerospace aerodynamics. 
• Technical Skills: Foundational knowledge of commercial CFD codes and their application to fluid flow problems.
  • Familiarity with CAD software (CATIA V6 preferred) for surface manipulation and model preparation.
  • Strong Python or MATLAB skills for data analysis and workflow automation.
• Soft Skills: 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 travel up to 20%.