The Sr. Aerothermal Development Engineer at Rivian plays a crucial role in supporting the Thermal Attributes process from target setting to vehicle sign-off. This position emphasizes benchmarking and customer fleet analysis to define attribute targets. The engineer will engage in test planning, vehicle preparation, and data analysis, while also supporting HVAC and Propulsion Conditioning Attributes testing. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to develop innovative HVAC and cooling strategies based on data-driven decisions.

• Bachelor's or Graduate Degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Aerospace) from an accredited University with a strong background in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, and Experimental Methods/Data Analysis.
• 2-5 years' experience in automotive thermal system development, HVAC design, or electronics cooling, with a strong emphasis on physical testing and data analysis.
• Expertise in thermal instrumentation, data acquisition, and advanced post-processing techniques for large datasets.
• Proven experience analyzing complex thermal and HVAC performance data to identify trends, diagnose issues, and drive solutions.
• Strong understanding of control systems and experience proposing/supporting control logic changes for thermal management systems.
• Working knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and relevant debugging tools.
• Detailed understanding and experience with automotive refrigerant / heat pump systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of electric vehicle HVAC and Heating / Cooling systems is a strong plus.
• Background in calibration for HVAC and Propulsion Conditioning is a strong plus.
• Foundational understanding of aerothermal simulation principles (CFD, thermal comfort) and ability to interpret simulation results for correlation and diagnostic purposes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to produce clean, organized, and timely documentation.
• Ability to work autonomously and lead individual efforts while performing as part of a cross-functional team.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% for testing activities.

• Lead the planning and execution of thermal system development and validation testing, including travel to off-site locations for testing in extreme hot and cold conditions.
• Develop comprehensive test procedures that align with user stories and attribute requirements, ensuring high-quality and actionable test results.
• Specify, plan, and assist with vehicle instrumentation, ensuring data acquisition solutions meet required accuracy and robustness.
• Identify, document, and proactively address system design gaps and vehicle issues throughout all phases of testing and development based on empirical data.
• Support chamber and on-road testing for HVAC and Propulsion Conditioning Attributes, contributing to both hardware and software development.
• Create and maintain detailed testing documentation, including test plans, verification procedures, and comprehensive test reports detailing analysis findings during the development cycle and sign-off procedure.
• Drive the development and refinement of control strategies for HVAC and thermal management systems based directly on test data analysis and identified performance gaps.
• Collaborate closely with HVAC control strategy lead and controls engineers to propose and implement logic changes that optimize thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and system response.
• Perform in-depth data analysis of complex test data from vehicle, subsystem, and component-level aerothermal tests.
• Present compelling analysis results to leadership and cross-functional teams, highlighting key findings, root causes, and recommended solutions.
• Utilize a foundational understanding of aerothermal simulation to correlate simulation results with physical data and assist in diagnosing complex issues identified during testing.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative and efficient HVAC and cooling strategies, emphasizing data-driven decisions.
• Manage opening and closure of engineering concerns and issues throughout the vehicle life, ensuring robust root cause analysis using test data.

• 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.