Sr. Structural Simulation Engineer

About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Responsibilities Rivian Electrical R&D are the backbone of GSD (Getting Stuff Done!) for our Hardware teams. Rivian is continuing to integrate major electrical systems and components and rapidly growing vertically. This growth equals rapid career advancement opportunities for those that love challenges and fast-paced high-performance culture. Responsibilities Lead structural and thermo-mechanical design risk assessments for low-voltage electronics assemblies in cutting-edge vehicle electrical hardware. Conduct multi-scale numerical simulations (e.g., random vibrations, shock, thermal-cycling) on electronics assemblies to meet functional performance and reliability targets. Define structural risk margins and guide component selection and layout on heterogeneously integrated printed circuit boards. Provide detailed and actionable design recommendations, including enclosure stiffness targets, thermal stack-up, cooling layout, and material selection, to engineers responsible for detailed electronics assembly design. Develop material characterization plans and maintain the simulation material database for commonly used electronics components, polymers, and elastomers. Provide reliability engineers with simulation support for root-cause analysis during the testing and validation phases. Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to ensure product and engineering excellence. Qualifications M.S. / Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. 3 years (Ph.D) / 5 years (M.S.) of relevant industry experience working on problems in Structural Mechanics. Solid understanding of theoretical and experimental structural mechanics with good domain knowledge in the following areas : Non-Linear analysis, Explicit Analysis, Linear Dynamics and Vibrations, Coupled Thermal-Structural analysis. Proficient with FEA solvers, preferably Abaqus and Optistruct. Proficient in pre / post processing tools such as Hypermesh, Ansa / Meta, etc. Excellent understanding of failure modes in metals, plastics, and elastomers. Proficient with using Python / Matlab for running analysis and post-analysis data processing. Experience developing and leading other multidisciplinary engineers. Excellent communication skills across all functions and levels. Excellent documentation practices. Fluent written and spoken English. Pay Disclosure Salary Range / Hourly Rate for Northern California Based Applicants : $117,200.00 - $146,500.00. (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary : Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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. Equal Opportunity Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian and VW Group Technologies (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and / or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media / website, network / device, recruiting system usage / interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.