RISr. Materials Engineer
BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (444 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.
Guide material selection and validation for mold-in-color and painted plastics in Rivian vehicles.
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Own material standards and validation for a fast-growing EV maker's interior and exterior plastics.
Might not be for you. Requires 5-7+ years and deep automotive plastics experience; less open-ended R&D.
Core polymer roleTechnical guidance for mold-in-color, painted plastics, and finished materials; material selection, prototyping, validation; polymeric films, textiles, composites
H-1B filings
Rivian filed 8 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.
Most common titles: Sr. Service Parts Engineer, Body Systems, Sr. Distribution Center Process Development Manager, Sr. Material Planner, Service Accessories. Median filed pay: $139K a year.
From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings
- Seniority
- Senior
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 5–7 yrs
- Industry
- Automotive
- Role
- R&D / Research
Role details
In this role, you will provide technical guidance for mold-in-color, painted plastics, and finished materials. Partnering closely with Product Development and Color Materials & Finishes (CMF), you will bridge design intent with engineering feasibility guiding materials from early prototyping through validation and production.
- Development & Prototyping: Partner with Product Development and CMF to drive material selection, prototyping, and production application for mold-in-color and painted plastics.
- Validation & Standards: Author Rivian Materials Standards and Test Specifications, and lead material sign-offs through the Engineering Validation process.
- Advanced Materials & Sustainability: Lead materials R&D focused on sustainability, durability, stain resistance, and cleanability.
- Production & Issue Resolution: Drive root cause analysis for material-related production issues, working directly with Tier suppliers and material vendors.
- Digital Validation: Provide material modeling data to support digital simulation and CAE workflows.
- Supplier Collaboration: Work alongside Supplier Quality and Purchasing to evaluate, qualify, and develop material suppliers.
- Technical Leadership: Apply a first-principles approach to technical challenges, demonstrate continuous learning, and embody "Rivian Compass" values.
- Education: B.S. in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Experience: 5–7+ years of materials engineering experience, with a focus on mold-in-color and painted plastics (automotive experience preferred).
- Material Expertise: Knowledge of decorative materials (plated components, real wood, aluminum), polymeric films, textiles, composites, or natural fibers is a plus.
- Execution & Problem-Solving: Proven ability to manage multiple complex material projects, solve technical issues using first principles, and work directly with global vendors.
- Communication & Detail: Strong written and verbal communication skills across cross-functional, multi-site teams; meticulous in testing documentation and data management.
- Business Acumen & Tools: Sound commercial/financial awareness, proficiency with Google Workspace, and ability to travel up to 10% (domestic and international).
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