1

Seat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Mechanical Engineer - Seat Complete

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role Summary As a member of Rivian's Seat team within the Interior Engineering department, you will play a key role in shaping innovation and impactful products from concept through volume production.

Staff Mechanical Engineer - Seat Complete

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role Summary As a member of Rivian's Seat team within the Interior Engineering department, you will play a key role in shaping innovation and impactful products from concept through volume production.

Seat Complete Manager

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$141K - $268K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

As the Manager for Seat Complete, you will lead a world-class team of engineers responsible for the design, development, and delivery of seating systems across our vehicle portfolio. The seat is a ...

Technical Designer, Body Seat Plan

Fort Valley, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on ... Create detailed 2D drawings of bus body and seat configurations such as exterior and interior ...

Irvine, CA (Onsite) o 5+ years of recent relevant experience o Work experience on Automotive Occupant safety components [Airbag, Occupant Sensor, ODS and Seat belt] o Mechanical Design Engineer with ...

The scope includes seat manufacturing interfaces, seat assemblies, seat belts, air bags, occupant ... This role serves as the engineering link between the manufacturing plant, Design & Release ...

The scope includes seat manufacturing interfaces, seat assemblies, seat belts, air bags, occupant ... This role serves as the engineering link between the manufacturing plant, Design & Release ...

As a Senior Application Engineer with CVG's Seating Solutions team, you will be the technical ... Troubleshoot issues related to seat design, assembly, installation, durability, and system ...

Provides/influences complete seat and foam engineering input/direction to jointly achieve flawless seat appearance and craftsmanship. RESPONSIBILITIES: Trim Cover Design: * Apply principles of 2D ...

Provides/influences complete seat and foam engineering input/direction to jointly achieve flawless seat appearance and craftsmanship. RESPONSIBILITIES: Trim Cover Design: * Apply principles of 2D ...

Showing results 21-40

Seat Engineer information

See salary details

$12

$55

$80

How much do seat engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for seat engineer in the United States is $55.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seat engineer?

Seat engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test seating systems for vehicles, primarily in the automotive industry. Their work focuses on ensuring seats meet safety, comfort, ergonomic, and aesthetic standards while integrating with other vehicle components. They collaborate with teams in design, manufacturing, and quality assurance to produce seats that comply with regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Seat engineers also address challenges like weight reduction, cost optimization, and new technology integration in seating systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seat engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seat Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and ergonomics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), knowledge of manufacturing processes, and familiarity with industry standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the design, safety, and comfort of seating systems, directly impacting product quality and user satisfaction.

What are common challenges faced by seat engineers when working on new vehicle models?

Seat Engineers often face the challenge of balancing ergonomics, safety standards, and cost constraints while designing seats for new vehicle models. They must collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and safety teams to ensure that seats meet regulatory requirements, provide comfort, and can be efficiently produced. Additionally, integrating new technologies such as heating, ventilation, and electronic adjustments can add complexity to the design and testing process. Effective communication and adaptability are essential to navigate these challenges and deliver high-quality seating solutions.

What is the difference between Seat Engineer vs Seat Designer?

AspectSeat EngineerSeat Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, certifications in CAD softwareBachelor's in Industrial Design or Mechanical Engineering, proficiency in CAD tools
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automotive or aerospace industriesDesign studios, automotive or aerospace companies
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, transportation sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, furniture industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Seat Engineers focus on the technical aspects, testing, and manufacturing of seats, ensuring safety and functionality. Seat Designers concentrate on the aesthetic, ergonomic, and conceptual aspects of seat design, creating visual and functional prototypes. Both roles often collaborate but differ mainly in their focus areas within the seat development process.

More about Seat Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Seat Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Seat Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Seat Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Seat Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Seat Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

Staff Mechanical Engineer - Seat Complete

Rivian

Irvine, CA • On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th 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
As a member of Rivian's Seat team within the Interior Engineering department, you will play a key role in shaping innovation and impactful products from concept through volume production. Your contributions will help drive the development of high-performing and sustainable solutions, fostering a culture of trust and continuous improvement within our collaborative Interior Engineering environment.
Responsibilities
• Design and develop seat complete components for Rivian vehicles from concept through production that achieve performance, timing and commercial targets
• Collaborate Closely with Studio designers, Vehicle Safety, Perceived Quality, and other cross functional engineering teams to achieve design themes and attribute targets.
• Design and develop products in Catia V6 using generative shape design, part design, and sketcher workbench
• Engage cross functionally ensuring seamless collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and key stakeholders to align to broader company goals and drive success in area of responsibility
• Design and develop the engineering bill of materials and perform change management using Enovia as a part management tool
• Design and develop DFMEAs with the cross functional team and cascade dependencies to cross functional partners
• Lead the creation of Product Validation plans, coordinate validation activities, and sign off validation results
• Exhibit "Rivian Compass" values in everything you do
Qualifications
• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Or related discipline, Masters degree preferred)
• 5+ years first-hand experience developing, validating, and launching seating components or assemblies into automotive or equivalent systems.
• CAD design & manufacturing process experience
• Eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment where you are part of a team
• Strong understanding of engineering first principles
• Eagerness to learn and excellent communication skills
• Strong working knowledge of FMVSS, ECE, NCAP and other automotive evaluation and regulatory achievement
• Ability to self-direct while managing ambiguity
• Excellent understanding of GD&T standards
• Understanding of FE analysis technique to drive design and optimization
• Ability to conduct & drive the DFMEA process
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Curiosity and high learning agility
• Ability to travel to vehicle and component launch locations
Pay Disclosure
The salary range for this role is $137,800 - $172,300 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.
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.

What Rivian employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Rivian logo

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