JobsStaff Motor Thermal Engineer
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Staff Motor Thermal Engineer

Rivian

Location

Carson, CA

Type

Full-time

Posted

5/9/2026

Compensation

$137,800 - $172,200 per year

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

Job description

As a Staff Motor Thermal Engineer at Rivian, you will lead the thermal architecture and cooling strategy for next-generation electric drive units. This role involves bridging the gap between system modeling and testing to ensure optimal thermal performance. You will work closely with a diverse team that shares a passion for the outdoors and innovation. The position requires a deep understanding of thermal management in electric vehicles and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

  • BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related field
  • 7+ years of experience in EV powertrain lubrication and thermal management
  • Expert-level experience in GT-Suite for transient analysis
  • Extensive experience in Simerics-MP+ or Star-CCM+ focusing on Volume of Fluid (VOF) or Moving Particle Semi-implicit (MPS) methods
  • Deep understanding of convective heat transfer coefficients in rotating machinery and fluid dynamics of dielectric oils
  • Scripting skills in Python or MATLAB for post-processing and workflow automation
  • Knowledge of automated optimization tools such as HEEDS or ModeFRONTIER
  • Experience in lab setup, data collection, and validating thermal and hydraulic designs' performance
  • Fundamental knowledge of electric machines, motor mechanical designs, and manufacturing processes
  • Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain end-to-end lubrication and thermal models for EV motors.
  • Lead the design and optimization of direct oil motor cooling systems.
  • Define lubrication and thermal requirements for the motor, inverter, and transmission interface.
  • Design test plans for motor dyno and drive unit validation.
  • Perform tests, collect and process data, and correlate simulation results with physical hardware.
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team to balance power density, efficiency, and thermal management.

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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