Sr. Lead Chassis Engineer
Irvine, CA, USA
USD 176,200-233,530 / year + Equity
Posted on Aug 14, 2026
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 the Lead Chassis Engineer, you will hold cradle-to-grave accountability for vehicle programs, driving the transition from initial design through launch and into ongoing production. You will resolve complex, cross-functional chassis issues and synchronize design activities to ensure the entire team is aligned on the most optimal engineering solutions. As a strategic member of the Chassis Leadership team, you will conduct rigorous technical reviews, spearhead launch efforts, and serve as the primary conduit for plant manufacturing teams. By owning the resolution of field quality issues and acting as the single point of contact for your respective product lines, you will bridge the gap between high-level engineering theory and flawless manufacturing execution. Responsibilities Act as the primary representative for Chassis program-level design and attribute reviews, ensuring engineering integrity is maintained throughout the vehicle's development. Orchestrate the resolution of high-complexity technical issues by collaborating with Functional Managers, Attribute teams, and Manufacturing to resolve chassis elements and vehicle-level bottlenecks. Guide Design Release Engineers (DREs) through sophisticated design challenges and high-severity root cause analyses, providing the technical oversight necessary to ensure robust solutions. Define and manage critical chassis timing constraints by interfacing with Mass, Vehicle Dynamics, Crash, Aero, and NVH teams to deliver program milestones. Identify and escalate critical technical roadblocks to the Chassis Director, ensuring design activities remain on track and deliverables are met with precision. Drive regular technical touchpoints between suppliers and DREs and travel as needed to production sites to provide hands-on support for manufacturing and key product testing. Lead functional planning meetings to establish department priorities and secure the resources necessary to resolve urgent technical hurdles. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred. 12-15+ years of proven success in Chassis design and development, specifically within an OEM environment. Mastery of DFMEA and DVPR methodologies, with the ability to lead critical reviews and ensure robust failure-mode mitigation across complex assemblies. Expert-level proficiency in CAD—specifically CATIA V6—with a focus on architectural integration and sophisticated packaging solutions. Comprehensive technical command of chassis architecture, high-level vehicle dynamics, and wheel and tire alignment. Proven ability to dissect complex engineering hurdles using first principles, leveraging data-driven insights to reach definitive solutions. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the presence to influence domestic and international stakeholders, executive leadership, and global Tier 1 suppliers. A proactive self-starter mindset with the seasoned engineering judgment required to navigate ambiguity and thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced program cycles. Ability to work seamlessly across departments, balancing technical requirements with manufacturing constraints and commercial targets. Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is $176,200 - $233,530 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. 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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. 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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.