Staff NVH CAE Engineer

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 Rivian is seeking a Sr. Staff NVH CAE Engineer to provide technical leadership for the virtual development of world-class vehicle NVH performance. This role will define and execute CAE strategies that connect vehicle-level customer targets to subsystem requirements, design decisions, and validated product outcomes across current and future Rivian programs. The ideal candidate is a recognized technical expert in automotive NVH CAE who can solve ambiguous, high-impact problems; influence decisions across engineering organizations; and elevate the capability of the broader NVH team. They will combine deep simulation expertise with sound engineering judgment, experimental correlation, and a passion for delivering refined customer experiences. Responsibilities 1. Lead the development, integration, and application of full-vehicle NVH CAE models, including structural, vibro-acoustic, and statistical energy analysis models. 2. Define simulation methods, target cascades, and technical strategies for complex NVH attributes such as road noise, powertrain/driveline vibration, structure-borne noise, airborne noise, and sound-package performance. 3. Drive robust correlation between CAE predictions and component, subsystem, bench, and vehicle test data; translate findings into clear, actionable design direction. 4. Lead root-cause analysis using methods including modal analysis, frequency response analysis, transfer path analysis, operational deflection shapes, and dynamic stiffness assessment. 5. Serve as a technical authority in cross-functional design and program forums, aligning NVH performance with vehicle targets, timing, cost, mass, durability, manufacturability, and system constraints. 6. Establish scalable CAE workflows, model-quality standards, automation, and best practices that improve analysis speed, fidelity, and repeatability across programs. 7. Develop and review technical recommendations, reports, and executive-ready summaries that enable timely, data-driven decisions. 8. Mentor and develop NVH and CAE engineers; raise technical standards through constructive review, knowledge sharing, and hands-on coaching. 9. Model Rivian Compass Values by asking why to identify root causes, staying open to diverse perspectives, zooming out to optimize vehicle-level outcomes, building together across functions, and over-delivering for the customer Qualifications 1. Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required; specialization in Noise and Vibration, Acoustics, Dynamics, Mechanics, or a closely related discipline preferred. 2. 10+ years of progressive NVH CAE experience, preferably in automotive or other complex vehicle/product-development environments. 3. Expert knowledge of finite element and vibro-acoustic simulation, including full-vehicle model development, modal analysis, frequency response, transfer path analysis, and correlation to physical test data. 4. Advanced proficiency with CAE pre- and post-processing tools such as ANSA, HyperMesh, META, HyperView, or equivalent; and solvers such as Nastran, OptiStruct, Abaqus, or equivalent. 5. Experience with Statistical Energy Analysis tools such as VA One or equivalent, and familiarity with NVH test and data-analysis tools such as Siemens Simcenter Testlab, LMS, HEAD Acoustics, or equivalent. 6. Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical workstreams, influence cross-functional decisions, and deliver solutions under program timing constraints. 7. Strong Python or comparable scripting experience for simulation automation, data processing, visualization, and workflow improvement. 8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical tradeoffs to technical and non-technical audiences. 9. Demonstrated commitment to quality, safety, curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is $154,000-$192,500 for Southern California 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 annual performance bonus and equity awards. 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. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com. 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 and Technology 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. 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How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role. AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate. Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services. 1. Lead the development, integration, and application of full-vehicle NVH CAE models, including structural, vibro-acoustic, and statistical energy analysis models. 2. Define simulation methods, target cascades, and technical strategies for complex NVH attributes such as road noise, powertrain/driveline vibration, structure-borne noise, airborne noise, and sound-package performance. 3. Drive robust correlation between CAE predictions and component, subsystem, bench, and vehicle test data; translate findings into clear, actionable design direction. 4. Lead root-cause analysis using methods including modal analysis, frequency response analysis, transfer path analysis, operational deflection shapes, and dynamic stiffness assessment. 5. Serve as a technical authority in cross-functional design and program forums, aligning NVH performance with vehicle targets, timing, cost, mass, durability, manufacturability, and system constraints. 6. Establish scalable CAE workflows, model-quality standards, automation, and best practices that improve analysis speed, fidelity, and repeatability across programs. 7. Develop and review technical recommendations, reports, and executive-ready summaries that enable timely, data-driven decisions. 8. Mentor and develop NVH and CAE engineers; raise technical standards through constructive review, knowledge sharing, and hands-on coaching. 9. Model Rivian Compass Values by asking why to identify root causes, staying open to diverse perspectives, zooming out to optimize vehicle-level outcomes, building together across functions, and over-delivering for the customer 1. Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required; specialization in Noise and Vibration, Acoustics, Dynamics, Mechanics, or a closely related discipline preferred. 2. 10+ years of progressive NVH CAE experience, preferably in automotive or other complex vehicle/product-development environments. 3. Expert knowledge of finite element and vibro-acoustic simulation, including full-vehicle model development, modal analysis, frequency response, transfer path analysis, and correlation to physical test data. 4. Advanced proficiency with CAE pre- and post-processing tools such as ANSA, HyperMesh, META, HyperView, or equivalent; and solvers such as Nastran, OptiStruct, Abaqus, or equivalent. 5. Experience with Statistical Energy Analysis tools such as VA One or equivalent, and familiarity with NVH test and data-analysis tools such as Siemens Simcenter Testlab, LMS, HEAD Acoustics, or equivalent. 6. Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical workstreams, influence cross-functional decisions, and deliver solutions under program timing constraints. 7. Strong Python or comparable scripting experience for simulation automation, data processing, visualization, and workflow improvement. 8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical tradeoffs to technical and non-technical audiences. 9. Demonstrated commitment to quality, safety, curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement