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New

Staff Thermal Engineer

Rivian
$125,800-$157,200
vision insurance
United States, Michigan, Plymouth
13250 North Haggerty Road (Show on map)
Mar 05, 2026
About Rivian

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

The role of Staff Thermal Engineer is to interface internally with Body, Studio, Packaging, Attribute, NVH, Aerodynamics, CAE, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, working with Tier 1's on design and manufacturing thermal components for mass production release. Components specifically supported in this role: Electric Compressor and Bundles manifolds handling Refrigerant/coolant. The position will be on site based in Plymouth Michigan.


Responsibilities

  • Design and release of mass production thermal system components, specifically Electric compressor, but may include other commodities as compressor bracket, Refrigerant and coolant manifolds with integrated pumps/valves and EXVs.
  • Interface with Body, Studio, Packaging, Attributes, NVH, Aerodynamics, and CAE engineering to ensure optimal design and integration for aerodynamic and range efficiency; b) Support supply chain with engineering requirements throughout quotation and sourcing; c) Interface with suppliers on design, release, tooling, and validation; d) Support critical program milestones and build events, e.g. Virtual Release, Virtual Build, Design Verification Build, Manufacturing Verification Build, etc
  • Engineering Specification, Design Verification, & Production Verification plans for thermal components for future vehicles
  • Develop/Review foundation documents as required, including risk assessment/management, DFMEA, PFMEA, and Functional Safety
  • Interface with Plant Quality Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, General Assembly and ensure all Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly standards are met

Qualifications

  • Minimum BSME degree in mechanical/automotive engineering
  • 10+ years of experience related to Thermal component design, release, and production launch (specifically compressor)
  • OEM/Tier 1 experience on Thermal components (specifically compressor)
  • Proficiency in CAD for design and release; CATIA V6 preferred
  • Knowledge on thermal, mechanical, NVH, durability, corrosion, and electrical requirements for Thermal components and refrigerant cycle
  • Experience on at least one full product cycle from concept creation to mass production
  • Ability to work and communicate effectively with peers and leadership
  • Ability to work independently and proactively in fast-paced environment
  • Experience on heat pump technology and development required
  • Experience with Future refrigerants and secondary loop systems (R290, Blends) a strong plus
  • Ability to work with hands on experience is a plus
  • Travel will be required occasionally to suppliers (International included), Our manufacturing plant in Normal Illinois, and headquarters in Irvine California

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range Michigan-Based Applicants: $125,800-$157,200 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, 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.



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.

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