Rivian · 13 hours ago
Sr. CFD Engineer, Powertrain
US-MI-Plymouth
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$98K/yr - $123K/yr
5+ years expRivian is an automotive company focused on sustainable energy solutions, and they are seeking a Senior CFD Engineer to support the design and optimization of lubrication and cooling performance of powertrain Drive Units assemblies. The role involves building and maintaining CFD models, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and translating simulation results into design recommendations.
Electric VehicleTransportationManufacturingAutomotive
Responsibilities
As the senior CFD simulations, you will support design and optimization of lubrication and cooling performance of powertrain Drive Units assemblies including e-motors
Build, validate and maintain 3D CFD models (steady state and transient) using industry-standard tools (e.g., Simerics, Star-CCM+ or similar) to predict oil splash, pressure drop, heat transfer, and flow distribution across key systems
Build, validate and maintain 1D lubrication models (steady state and transient) using industry-standard tools (e.g., AMESIM, GT Suite, Matlab or similar) to predict spray and splash lubrication, churning losses, aeration effect, pressure drop, heat transfer, and flow distribution across key systems
Define boundary conditions, load cases, and duty cycles using vehicle usage profiles and test data to ensure simulations represent real customer usage and worst-case environmental conditions
Translate simulation results into clear design recommendations for component owners (Driveline, powertrain, Motor), including geometry changes, ducting strategies, and shielding/insulation concepts
Collaborate with designers and system engineers to balance lubrication, thermal, NVH, durability, and manufacturability requirements in a cross-functional environment
Develop and refine correlation between CFD and physical tests, including defining test plans, instrumentation needs, and success criteria for lubrication and thermal validation at component, system, and vehicle level
Support root cause analysis on development and field issues where lubrication and thermal performance are potential contributors; propose data-driven corrective actions and design updates
Help build and standardize CFD methodologies, best practices, and templates (meshing strategies, model reduction approaches, post-processing standards) to accelerate analysis throughput and improve quality
Communicate complex analysis results through concise reports and presentations tailored to design engineers, leadership, and cross-functional partners
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field required
M.S. or Ph.D. with a focus in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, or CFD strongly preferred
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in CFD and 1D thermal analysis for automotive, aerospace, energy, or similar industries (advanced degrees may count toward experience)
Proven expertise in 1D and CFD pre-processing, solving, and post-processing (Simerics, Star-CCM+ or equivalent)
Strong foundation in multiphase turbulence physics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer (VOF, surface tension, aeration, conduction, convection, radiation, conjugate heat transfer and turbulence model) with deep understanding in tribology
Proficiency in handling complex moving geometries using sliding mesh, overset mesh or morphing techniques for rotating gears, bearings and shafts
Strong foundation in fluid dynamics and heat transfer (convection, radiation, conjugate heat transfer, pressure loss, turbulence modeling)
Experience with Drive Unit or system-level simulations (Full Drive Unit/Transmission flow, thermal management or similar)
Ability to work independently while also thriving in a highly cross-functional team; comfortable driving analysis workstreams end-to-end with minimal supervision
Strong communication skills: able to explain complex CFD and thermal behavior in a way that is accessible to non-specialists and actionable for design teams
A growth mindset with curiosity to explore new tools, methods, and approaches to improve accuracy, speed, and robustness of analysis workflows
Preferred
Working experience with Simerics-MP+ for rotating machine and gearbox oil splash simulation is a plus
Familiarity with duty cycles and durability concepts (e.g., Oil pump and thermal cycling, life prediction based on SN or temperature-time exposure is a plus)
Working knowledge of parametric CAD tools and geometry handling (CATIA or similar) sufficient to prepare CFD-ready models and influence design
Experience scripting in Python, MATLAB, or similar for process automation, data reduction, and parametric studies
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.
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
2026-02-13
Company data provided by crunchbase