Lead Multi-body Dynamics Engineer

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.  As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.  Role Summary You will be responsible for helping the team optimize the dynamic performance of Rivian vehicle programs through the use of system and vehicle level simulation models.  You will own the evaluation of internal development and competitive benchmark vehicles from a kinematics and compliance perspective as well as simulating full vehicle behavior to help the team develop program targets and test methods.  Responsibilities Work to develop suspension, steering, brakes and other subsystem models within Adams or MatLab/Simulink Use Adams models to: Optimize suspension hardpoints and compliance settings to meet program targets Evaluate vehicle kinematic and compliance properties against targets Utilize suspension and steering data within our ADAMS and CarMaker full vehicle models Provide loading information to Chassis and Durability teams Run Adams specific simulation events Perform correlation activities that align the Adams and CarMaker simulation models with physical test data as well as validate subsystem plant models. Prove out concepts related payload and suspension geometry/architecture necessary to provide a safe and consistent platform through all loading conditions Interpret benchmark kinematic and compliance data and provide insight that guides system and component level target setting Evaluate and inform Chassis architectural decisions using simulation models and Vehicle Dynamics knowledge, areas of focus: Steering Handling Ride comfort Braking Acceleration NVH Help develop Dynamics test plans, specifically focused on calibrating the steering, handling and ride performance through the rate tuning of springs, jounce bumpers, bushings, dampers and anti-roll bars Communicate cross-functionally and interact with other engineering teams to ensure development teams are aligned Work hard, exceed expectations, challenge industry conventions, and relentlessly strive to make truly exceptional products Qualifications B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent 6+ years of experience in automotive Chassis development with a focus on Vehicle Dynamics Working knowledge of regulatory and certification requirements Working knowledge of 3D CAD software, preferably CATIA V5 or V6 Competent in Multi-Body Dynamics tools, preferably Adams Salary range for California Based Applicants: $150,000-$173,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary: 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. Equal Opportunity Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. 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. Rivian 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 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 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 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 affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.   Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, 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 note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.