Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer
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.
As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer, you will be the subject matter expert driving the
complete lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes, from initial target setting through final vehicle
sign-off. Your deep technical expertise in thermal management systems, particularly heat pump
operations and efficiency optimization, will be crucial in achieving performance goals. You will
leverage strong analytical skills, including advanced simulation and data analysis, and a
collaborative mindset to lead the development and execution of robust thermal attribute
arbitration strategies. Your work will ensure performance targets are met and validated through
vehicle program milestones and final Design Verification Plans (DVPs). This role is pivotal in
fostering cross-functional alignment and resolving complex engineering challenges related to
vehicle level thermal performance and efficiency.
- Lead benchmark activities for comprehensive EV market evaluation
- Develop vehicle thermal arbitration strategies with deep understanding of thermal
and limitations
- Optimize vehicle level thermal performance with balancing key design dimensions: front-
- Optimize heat pump efficiency through analysis and mid-ambient operation efficiency
- Data analysis for vehicle level testing especially on refrigerant systems performance and
- Perform vehicle level thermal simulations for DOE studies, sensitivity studies, and what-
- Support thermal attribute use case development for all vehicle programs
- Interface with cross-functional teams to align on thermal HW and Control requirements
- Support thermal system architectures development to meet attribute requirements with
- Support Vehicle level testing in wind tunnel, proving grounds and on-road
- Correlation model/simulation with wind tunnel and on-road test results
- Physics based refrigerant loop system evaluation and deep dives
background in Thermal Science
- 10+ years’ experience with automotive thermal systems and components in OEMs or
- Strong and Solid understanding of automotive thermal systems especially on refrigerant
- Knowledge on HVAC and Cabin systems
- Strong fundamentals of heat-transfer and thermodynamic devices like heat exchangers,
level interactions
- Proven track record of problem solving and independent root cause analysis
- Thermal chamber/Climatic wind tunnel testing experience is a great plus
- Expert knowledge of HV battery, Electrified Drive unit and Power Electronics is a great
- Experience in vehicle engineering and attributes is desired
- Deep knowledge of thermal drive cycles and hand on test experience is a great plus
- Hands-on experience with 1D simulation tools such like GT Suite, Matlab/Simulink
- Working knowledge of programming languages, including MATLAB, C, or Python is a plus
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skill
- Travel: 25%
- Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of residence that you will be
Salary Range/Hourly Rate for California Based Applicants: $154,000.00 - $192,500.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, 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, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.
Equal Opportunity
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 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.