Staff Design Project/Program Manager

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.

About the role

The well-qualified candidate will be responsible for the development and delivery execution of electrical power conversion (EPC) Electrical Hardware for charging and vehicle products. This role requires a high level of initiative, independent judgment, and indirect leadership capability.

Responsibilities

• Drive the end-to-end design, development, release, and validation of Rivian Electric Power Conversion Electrical Hardware projects, demonstrating strong independent judgment and indirect leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the electrical hardware team and cross-functional partners to align on overall program deliverables, providing clear status updates and proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Collaborate with the electrical hardware team to establish comprehensive high-level timelines and milestones, meticulously tracking critical release dates, Material Requirement Dates (MRDs), validation plans, and industrialization support.
• Spearhead the development of in-house PCBA designs and assemblies, ensuring adherence to quality and performance standards.
• Take ownership of BOM release and component sourcing in collaboration with the supply chain team. Proactively track long-lead parts and tool order needs, coordinating closely with the supply chain team on due dates and status throughout the development lifecycle.
• Lead engineering releases, manage prototype builds, and oversee production start-up, ensuring prompt resolution of any build issues.
• Facilitate seamless coordination with Contract Manufacturing Suppliers and the supply chain to guarantee timely delivery of components and assemblies.
• Coordinate, track, and report on Design Validation (DV) and Process Validation (PV) activities to ensure product robustness and manufacturing readiness.
• Maintain prompt, clear, and actionable communication with the Product Delivery team to facilitate successful execution and achieve program objectives.
• Plan and meticulously track budgets for EPC electrical hardware, testing, and validation activities.
• Implement robust issue tracking and corrective action processes, utilizing tools such as JIRA, to drive continuous improvement.
• Interface effectively with diverse cross-functional teams, including Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain, providing cohesive leadership and bridging gaps as needed.

Requirements

• Familiarity with charging products, electric power conversion, and electrical hardware design.
• Management of ECUs, including PCBAs for multiple projects.
• Understanding of the PCBA design and manufacturing processes.
• Experience coordinating with contract manufacturers.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering/technology field or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of automotive program management experience.

Skills

• Understanding of automotive engineering release processes.
• Proficiency in program management processes and vehicle development timeline tools (e.g., Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, Vizzlo).
• Experience in creating and implementing new program management processes.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Qualifications

Preferred Electrical Engineering background.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $154,000 - $192,500 for Torrance, CA-based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual performance bonus and equity awards.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits, including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.