Rivian · 2 days ago
Senior Cost Engineer - Mechanical
Irvine, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$108K/yr - $135K/yr
3+ years expRivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever, focusing on emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles. The Senior Cost Engineer will be responsible for completing cost models that analyze component costs across Rivian vehicles, guiding design and procurement to ensure competitiveness and high-quality products.
AutomotiveElectric VehicleManufacturingTransportation
Responsibilities
Provide guidance to the design requirements or design engineer for proposed new or modified designs to achieve required function at minimum or target cost
Develop should cost models and projections for multiple vehicle commodities specialized in mechanical content - High Pressure Die Casting, Forging, Machining, Stampings, Injection Molding
Utilize information ranging from written assumptions, sample parts, CAD models and engineering drawings
Gather details and compile data to estimate all production costs considering raw materials, labor, and tooling for estimations or should cost models
Interface with manufacturing plants and suppliers to ensure most economical tooling, processing and operations that will contribute to profitable production
Support Rivian Procurement in analysis and review of supplier cost breakdowns to drive cost reduction opportunities through negotiations with suppliers
Mentor Rivian Procurement team members based on manufacturing and process cost expertise
Perform teardown of complex automotive components to analyze parts and develop a Bill of Material (BoM) when detailed engineering CAD is not available. Create cost estimates using physical parts and in-depth process knowledge
Perform Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) activities to generate cost reduction ideas through identification of process and product efficiencies that will reduce overall costs. Work with all stakeholders to support cost reduction targets
Support competitive vehicle benchmarking to provide input for future model development and target costs
Assume ownership of projects; plan milestones and identify potential risks to ensure timely delivery of cost models within agreed completion dates
Proactively manage task completion and regularly update cross-functional teams on project status, timing, resource allocation, challenges, and the likelihood of on-time, high-quality delivery
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or similar
Minimum of 3 years of automotive or manufacturing related experience at an OEM or Tier 1 Manufacturer
Proficiency in navigating CAD models in CATIA or similar software
Ability to interpret and understand design and manufacturing drawings
Practical knowledge of Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) techniques and a strong understanding of financial principles
Capability to independently create a Bill of Materials (BoM) for a given commodity or design and allocate costs
Entrepreneurial, ambitious, independent, detail-oriented, structured thinker, goal-oriented, flexible, and resilient—exhibiting the qualities of a start-up personality
Collaborative team member, ensuring effective communication among colleagues, and providing regular contributions to meetings and briefings
Proficiency in strategic thinking and possessing detail-oriented work habits
Preferred
Master's degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Management or similar
Solid knowledge of vehicle parts and subsystems and knowledge of part interaction
Proficiency in CATIA, or similar CAD based design programs
Proficiency in aPriori or similar digital cost modeling tools
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
2026-01-14
Benzinga.com
2026-01-13
The Motley Fool
2026-01-13
Company data provided by crunchbase