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Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer

Rivian
Irvine, CA Full-time 2/4/2026 $154k - $192.5k per year
Undergraduate with 5+ Years of Experience
Approval 99%Total filings 685New hires 98
Established Sponsor
FY 2025

Job Description

Rivian is seeking a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer to lead the lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes, focusing on heat pump operations and efficiency optimization. The role requires strong analytical skills and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure performance targets are met through robust thermal attribute strategies.

Requirements

  • Engineering Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from an accredited University with a strong background in Thermal Science
  • 10+ years’ experience with automotive thermal systems and components in OEMs or suppliers
  • Strong understanding of automotive thermal systems, especially refrigerant systems and heat pumps
  • Knowledge of HVAC and Cabin systems
  • Strong fundamentals of heat-transfer and thermodynamic devices
  • 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 plus
  • Experience in vehicle engineering and attributes is desired
  • Hands-on experience with 1D simulation tools such as GT Suite, Matlab/Simulink
  • Working knowledge of programming languages, including MATLAB, C, or Python is a plus
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
  • Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of residence

Responsibilities

  • Lead benchmark activities for comprehensive EV market evaluation
  • Develop vehicle thermal arbitration strategies with deep understanding of thermal system fundamentals
  • Optimize vehicle level thermal performance with balancing key design dimensions
  • Optimize heat pump efficiency through analysis and mid-ambient operation efficiency
  • Data analysis for vehicle level testing especially on refrigerant systems performance and health
  • Perform vehicle level thermal simulations for DOE studies, sensitivity studies, and what-if questions
  • Support thermal attribute use case development for all vehicle programs
  • Interface with cross-functional teams to align on thermal HW and Control requirements and targets
  • Support thermal system architectures development to meet attribute requirements
  • 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

Benefits

  • Employees at Rivian are often offered comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, ESPP and potential RSU grants, performance bonuses, and generous time off including paid parental and sick leave. Perks can include 24/7 mental-health coaching and therapy, Hinge Health for Anthem enrollees, tuition assistance and professional development, plus on-site food and a wide range of employee discounts on items like computers, mobile phones, home loans, and pet care.

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