Rivian · 16 hours ago
Sr. Materials Engineer - Raw Materials Supplier Development
US-CA-Tustin
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$98K/yr - $123K/yr
5+ years expRivian is an automotive company focused on electric vehicles, and they are seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer to manage supplier quality performance and drive industrialization for raw materials. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, leading supplier assessments, and ensuring compliance with production standards.
AutomotiveElectric VehicleManufacturingTransportation
Responsibilities
Lead supplier industrialization and readiness for the raw materials commodity including plastics, rubber, and adhesive
Support supplier selection and capability assessment for both greenfield (new plant) and brownfield (existing plant expansion) projects, ensuring alignment with program timelines and quality expectations
Define and drive APQP discipline and enforce PPAP requirements, ensuring suppliers meet dimensional, material, and performance validation before production approval
Evaluate and validate supplier manufacturing processes by leading process audits, PFMEA reviews, control plan validation, and equipment capability assessments
Optimize supplier manufacturing scalability, ensuring production lines are capable of meeting increasing volume and quality expectations during ramp-up phases
Define and monitor supplier industrialization performance through KPIs such as on-time PPAP submission, process capability indices (Cpk/Ppk), defect rates (PPM), first-pass yield, issue closure rate, and supplier corrective action effectiveness
Facilitate problem resolution using structured methodologies (focused problem solving) to address defects, process deviations, and launch roadblocks proactively
Collaborate cross-functionally with Materials Engineering, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to drive VA/VE cost optimization, ensuring seamless design implementation into supplier manufacturing processes and technology while maintaining quality and performance standards
Translate complex engineering requirements into clear, actionable tasks for suppliers. Coach suppliers on ways of working with Rivian and hold suppliers accountable to commitments by setting clear milestones, following up regularly, and addressing slippage through constructive, fact-based conversations focused on solutions and risk reduction
Draft, develop, establish, and enforce the materials engineering specifications and qualification process requirements across the global resins supply chain
Assist the Rivian design team on materials selection to improve sourcing flexibility, part functionality, reduce overall BoM complexity, and reduce material costs
Function as subject matter expert and troubleshooting leader for the process and quality issues onsite
Work collaboratively with suppliers and Rivian materials engineering to develop materials and processes to fit Rivian’s design and sustainability targets
Collaborate with Rivian internal teams to develop and manage the raw resins bill of materials
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions in English to ensure workplace safety, effective communication, and operational efficiency
50% travel requirement
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related field
Bachelor's degree with 5+ years or Master's degree with 3+ years experience in polymers or raw materials in supply chain and manufacturing process
Strong Knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and polymer materials engineering fundamentals
Technical expertise of automotive components designs and manufacturing, including knowledge of safety and test requirements and appearance approval process
Basic knowledge of Geometric Design and Tolerancing (GD&T) and datum structures
Experience in injection molding, polymer compounding, tooling design, process changes, and surface treatment of resin commodities
In depth knowledge of IATF16949:2016 and understanding of ISO14001
Ability to analyze and present data effectively at all levels from working level meetings, to executive briefings
Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment
Good communication and interpersonal skills (Team Work) as well as negotiation skills
Preferred
Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related field
Experience participating in or leading supplier audits/assessments
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
2026-01-20
2026-01-19
Business Insider
2026-01-19
Company data provided by crunchbase