Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Seat Soft Trim

Rivian

Rivian

Other Engineering

United States · Irvine, CA, USA

USD 107,800-134,800 / year + Equity

Posted on Apr 30, 2026

Job Description

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

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.


Role Summary

As a member of the seat development team for the most adventurous vehicles on the planet, you will focus on the prototyping, design, and industrialization of seat assemblies, with a specialization in soft trim covers


Responsibilities

  • Provide in Depth technical guidance for Seat Soft Trim Development and Production.
  • Collaborating with the program engineering team to lead the development of innovative and robust solutions for trim covers, foams, and complete seats that embody the Rivian brand experience in both the analytical and physical space.
  • Leading the development for trim cover manufacturing and seat complete assemblies in a fast-paced, flexible team.
  • Developing and implementing the latest technologies in materials, processes, and design execution with a focus on soft trim and foam.
  • Utilizing CAD/CAE, design concept, and scanning toolsets to define and optimize physical prototypes and production product designs within the lab.
  • Developing efficient and innovative prototype processes to quickly represent significant production intent parts within the lab setting.
  • Leading Cross Functional Teams including working with the Design Studio, Design Quality, Perceived Quality, and Supplier Development to develop seats that achieve the desired styling theme, craftsmanship, and materials.
  • Leading the development of best practices for design and release engineering within the prototype lab environment and soft trim areas.
  • Leading problem-solving activities within the physical seats in the lab and soft trim related items
  • Lead and finalize all trim patterns for prototype development encompassing BOM, drawings, sew sequence, etc.
  • Operate sewing and cutting machines to validate trim design proposals/validations within the lab.
  • Build development seats based on trim design proposals for validation prior to release.
  • Digitize patterns when applicable.
  • Perform overlay of pattern design levels to support cost walks/design change from internal designs or suppliers.
  • Modify foam pads to support trim appearance requirements.

Qualifications

  • 5+ Years (Preferred) experience in automotive seat and soft trim development
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
  • Demonstrated ability to manage trim pattern development through all project phases (unwrapping/quoting, production release, industrialization, post-launch improvement/problem solving)
  • High proficiency in Lectra’s Design Concept or similar software.
  • Advanced Technical knowledge of sewing assembly, processes, and industrialization.
  • Proven competency in pattern design such as notch alignment, cut seams, seam width, ease of sewing etc.
  • Comprehensive understanding of trim materials, (nap/stretch direction, overall material characteristics, etc) and ability to provide recommendations based on component-level design.
  • Proven experience with trim pattern CAD design and manufacturing processes.
  • Eagerness to work cross-functionally with program engineering, design studio, quality, and manufacturing in adynamic environment where you are part of a large team.
  • In-Depth of the first-principle physics & requirements of seat systems
  • The desire and curiosity to strive for continuous product, process, and personal improvement
    Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $107,800 - $134,800 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.
The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.




Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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 collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

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.