JobsStaff Thermal Attributes Engineer
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Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer

Rivian

Location

Irvine, CA

Type

Full-time

Posted

5/9/2026

Compensation

$154,000.00 - $192,500.00 per hour

Undergraduate with 5+ Years of Experience
Approval 99%·Filings 685·New hires 98·
Established Sponsor
·FY 2025

Job description

As a Staff Thermal Attributes Engineer at Rivian, you will be the subject matter expert responsible for the complete lifecycle of vehicle thermal attributes. Your role will involve setting targets, optimizing thermal management systems, and ensuring performance goals are met through advanced simulation and data analysis. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop robust thermal attribute strategies and resolve complex engineering challenges. This position is crucial for achieving vehicle performance and efficiency in electric adventure vehicles.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering with a strong background in Thermal Science.
  • 10+ years of experience with automotive thermal systems and components in OEMs or suppliers.
  • Strong understanding of automotive thermal systems, particularly refrigerant systems and heat pumps.
  • Knowledge of HVAC and cabin systems.
  • Proven problem-solving skills and independent root cause analysis.
  • Experience with thermal chamber or climatic wind tunnel testing is a plus.
  • Hands-on experience with 1D simulation tools such as GT Suite or 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 vehicle and subsystem target setting for thermal use cases.
  • Conduct benchmark activities for comprehensive EV market evaluation.
  • Develop vehicle thermal arbitration strategies based on thermal system fundamentals.
  • Optimize vehicle-level thermal performance by balancing key design dimensions.
  • Analyze data for vehicle-level testing, particularly on refrigerant systems performance.
  • Perform vehicle-level thermal simulations for various studies and scenarios.
  • Support thermal attribute use case development for all vehicle programs.
  • Interface with cross-functional teams to align on thermal hardware and control requirements.
  • Support the development of thermal system architectures to meet attribute requirements.
  • Assist in vehicle-level testing in wind tunnels, proving grounds, and on-road conditions.

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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