Rivian · 2 weeks ago
Staff Durability CAE Engineer, Explicit Dynamics
Irvine, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$154K/yr - $192K/yr
5+ years expRivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever, focusing on emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles. The Staff Durability CAE Engineer will lead explicit dynamic simulations to ensure the structural integrity of vehicles, collaborating closely with testing teams and optimizing simulation processes.
AutomotiveElectric VehicleManufacturingTransportation
Responsibilities
Lead Explicit Dynamics Simulation: Lead the setup, execution, and analysis of complex, full-vehicle explicit dynamic simulations using LS-DYNA
Simulate Extreme Load Cases: Model and analyze critical scenarios including: Underbody ground strike (step down impact, rock scrape impact, breakover impact, approach/departure impact & sand dune impact). Extreme strength load cases (curb drive-over, ditch drop, lateral curb strike)
Implement & Calibrate Material Failure Definition: Implement & manage LS-DYNA material cards (e.g. •MAT_024, •MAT_GISSMO) with a critical focus on plasticity and failure parameters to accurately replicate ductile failure and erosion in the vehicle structure
Ensure Simulation Quality: Critically review explicit simulation results, meticulous checking of energy plots, mass scaling, and solution parameters to ensure numerical stability and accuracy
Correlation and Validation: Drive the correlation of simulation models with physical test data, working to accurately replicate real-world behavior in the virtual environment
Support Physical Testing: Collaborate closely with the physical testing team, providing expertise to assist in appropriate test setup, instrumentation, and boundary condition definition
Optimize and Improve Efficiency: Proactively work on methods and techniques to optimize LS-DYNA run times for large, full-vehicle models without compromising accuracy
Structural CAE Support: Provide flexible support for structural durability CAE simulation work using implicit solver technology when required
Communicate Technical Insights: Generate clear, coherent, and informative technical reports that distill complex simulation results into actionable design recommendations for stakeholder teams
Model Management: Work with pre-processors like ANSA and Hypermesh for model build-up, meshing, debugging and model deck preparation
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or equivalent, with 5+ years of relevant experience in automotive CAE/Durability
Deep expertise in explicit finite element analysis (FEA), with extensive, hands-on experience using LS-DYNA for full-vehicle dynamic simulations
Expert-level understanding of explicit simulation requirements, including checking energy plots (e.g., kinetic, internal, hourglass), time step control, and mass scaling
Strong foundational understanding of vehicle suspension systems and overall vehicle dynamics behavior
Proven ability to correlate simulation models to physical test data
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, specifically in creating high-quality technical reports
Minimum age of 21
No driving related suspensions or revocation of Driver License (within a 3-5 year period)
No drug or alcohol related driving incidents in the last 3 years
No more than 1 serious moving violation in the last 3 years
Must have a valid driver's license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle
Will be subject to continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring
Preferred
Experience with implicit solver software like Abaqus, OptiStruct, or Nastran for structural durability analysis is a plus
Proficiency in pre-processing tools like ANSA and/or Hypermesh is a plus
Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, MATLAB) for post-processing and automation is a plus
Experience with durability or crash-related load case derivation and standardization is a plus
Benefits
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 premiums.
Company
Rivian
Rivian is an automotive technology company that develops products and services to advance the shift to sustainable mobility.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Rivian has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (38)
2024 (70)
2023 (54)
2022 (79)
2021 (21)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$21.93BKey Investors
Volkswagen GroupUS Department of EnergyIllinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
2025-06-30Post Ipo Equity· $1B
2024-11-25Post Ipo Debt· $6.6B
2024-05-02Grant· $827M
Leadership Team
Robert Scaringe
Chief Executive Officer
Claire McDonough
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
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