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 highly motivated Design for Manufacturing (DFM)and Benchmarking Engineer to join our Industrial strategy team. In this role, you will be a key contributor to shaping the next-generation vehicle platform and architecture, focusing on optimizing manufacturability, reducing assembly time, and improving ergonomic feasibility—all while minimizing plant footprint and maximizing flexibility for new variant introduction. You will collaborate cross-functionally to embed manufacturing excellence into early-stage vehicle architecture and design decisions. This position requires frequent interaction with our manufacturing engineering, ergonomics, and product development teams. You will utilize your expertise in vehicle manufacturing and assembly to influence and improve the way our vehicles are designed and manufactured. Responsibilities Collaborate closely with the Product Development team to influence early vehicle architecture with a strong focus on manufacturing efficiency. Apply Design for Manufacturing principles to ensure that vehicle systems and components are optimized for ease of assembly and cost-effectiveness. Conduct detailed benchmarking studies of best-in-class manufacturing processes and competitive vehicle architecture. Identify and propose advanced manufacturing methods, joining techniques, and assembly strategies that improve throughput and reduce labor intensity. Lead or support initiatives to reduce assembly time while ensuring ergonomic compliance, material flow optimization and meeting spatial constraints in existing or future plant layouts. Participate in the development of new vehicle platforms by translating manufacturing North Stars into actionable design requirements. Drive design reviews focused on manufacturability and work with engineering teams to resolve design and assembly constraints. Contribute to the strategic vision for future vehicle manufacturing by evaluating new tools, technologies, and automation solutions. Support the development of standardized manufacturing best practices and documentation for use across global production facilities. Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. 10+ years of experience in Design for Manufacturing, vehicle assembly, or product development (automotive or similar industry preferred). Strong understanding of assembly processes, tooling, and ergonomic design principles. Experience with vehicle architecture development and familiarity with 3D CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, or similar). Proven ability to interpret manufacturing data, perform time studies, and lead process improvement initiatives. Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams. Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, DFMEA, and design validation techniques. Strong understanding of GD&T Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in a high-volume, high product mix automotive OEM assembly plant. Knowledge of automation, manual and robotic assembly systems. Understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and digital manufacturing tools. Pay Disclosure Salary range rate for Illinois/Michigan/Georgia based applicants: $125,000-$157,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Salary range rate for SoCal based applicants: $137-172,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premium 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 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.