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Rivian

Makes electric pickups, SUVs and delivery vans

Fabrication & Design Lead

Design EngineeringPosted on Nov 12
Full-timeNormal, IL, USA

About the Job

Requirements

  • At least 3 years of professional experience in 3D CAD modeling, applying GD&T, and generating technical drawing packages.
  • At least 3 years of hands-on experience in a machine shop, prototype lab, or custom fabrication environment operating manual or CNC machinery and performing metal joining and assembly.
  • 1–3 years of experience leading a team, managing shift operations, or serving as a project or shop lead.
  • A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field, with 3+ years of related experience preferred; or an Associate's degree or vocational/trade certification in Machining, Welding, Drafting/CAD Technology, or Mechatronics plus 5+ years of related experience.

Responsibilities

  • Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D fabrication drawings using CAD software such as Fusion 360, Bamboo Studio, or equivalent, adhering to GD&T standards.
  • Design custom carts, dollies, tooling, jigs, fixtures, and prototype components for efficient fabrication, machining, and assembly.
  • Perform basic stress, material, and tolerance stack-up analyses to validate design integrity before build.
  • Test prototype builds, identify design flaws, and execute Engineering Change Orders to improve performance and manufacturability.
  • Operate shop equipment, including CNC and manual mills, lathes, laser cutters, waterjets, plasma tables, and press brakes, to produce high-precision parts for builds.
  • Perform TIG and MIG welding, soldering, and mechanical assembly of structural components and prototype units.
  • Manage, operate, and maintain 3D printing equipment using FDM, SLA, and SLS for rapid prototyping.
  • Verify prototype parts against engineering drawings using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMM.
  • Lead daily shift stand-ups, assign work orders to technicians, track project deliverables, and remove operational bottlenecks.
  • Implement 5S methodologies, Kaizen events, and root cause analysis methods including 8D and 5 Whys to optimize shop-floor workflow and reduce downtime.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians on safety protocols, equipment operation, and fabrication techniques.
  • Enforce shop safety rules, maintain PPE compliance, oversee tool maintenance schedules, and conduct periodic safety audits.

About the Company

Rivian

Makes electric pickups, SUVs and delivery vans

Rivian designs and builds electric pickup trucks, SUVs, and delivery vans, pairing off-road ability with electronics and software it develops itself. In 2021, its R1T became the first fully electric pickup truck on the US consumer market, ahead of larger rivals such as Ford and Tesla. It makes the R1T pickup, the R1S and R2 SUVs, and commercial vans in Normal, Illinois, and sells them directly online and in its own stores rather than through dealers. Its vehicles run on Rivian's own software, which gains features through updates sent over the internet, and most revenue comes from vehicle sales, with service and optional software adding more. Rivian was founded in 2009 and is based in Irvine, California.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Irvine, CA
Founded
2009

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