Find & Apply For Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Hayward, California

Staff Battery Cell Engineer Rivian - 2.7 Hayward, CA Job Details Full-time 1 hour ago Qualifications Vendor relationship building New product introduction engineering projects Program design Electrochemistry Risk mitigation strategy development Reliability analysis Project management experience in manufacturing Production validation processes Design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA) Master of Science Design engineering Product design Managing projects PPAP Chemical new product development projects Research & development Chemical engineering within materials development Product quality failure Failure analysis Engineering manufacturing support Full Job Description This Cell Development Engineer will play a critical role in Rivian battery cell road mapping and strategic planning, including chemistry optimization, cell form factor down selection, and cell supplier nomination. The candidate will be responsible for Rivian battery cell product planning, cell supplier RFP/RFQ technical assessment, and new battery technology mass production readiness and introduction.

Cell Strategy and Development:

Own cell development from cell design optimization to cell design concept to A-sample design lock. Develop the cell technical roadmap and overall cell strategy for current and future products. Establish strategic relationships with cell vendors and collaborates with Rivian purchasing for cell sourcing.

Design, Integration, and Quality:

Work with cross-functional teams to translate vehicle requirements into detailed cell requirements and specifications. Partner with material engineers and mechanical designers to develop a cell that meets all safety, performance (including fast charge and durability), and cost objectives. Collaborate with vendors on cell development and manufacturing process optimization. Oversee early-stage cell supplier's DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) development.

Process and Communication:

Establish internal alignment with cross-functional teams on cell integration into the battery module/pack and vehicle at concept stage.

Testing, Validation, and Modeling:

Develop and execute test methods to evaluate various lithium-ion battery cell chemistries, coordinating internal and external testing resources. Drive cell selection decisions based on test results and comprehensive data analysis. Work closely with modeling engineers to extract parameters, build, and validate the cell model. Collaborate with cell testing, modeling, and safety teams to execute comprehensive cell validation and characterization. Utilize electrochemical techniques to identify cell degradation mechanisms and propose mitigation strategies (e.g., cell design, manufacturing process, or usage changes). Use cell testing data to support control/estimation algorithms within the vehicle's Battery Management Systems (BMS).

Innovation and Improvement:

Work with pack design engineers to define pathways for improving cell/pack design to enhance performance and lifetime. Review academic literature on lithium-ion cells and beyond to advance Rivian's battery cell technology. Develop and secure intellectual property for Rivian battery cell technology. Provide training and technical guidance to other engineers and technicians.

Must have:

MS degree in chemistry/chemical engineering/materials science with 8+ years of experience with R D or manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. (PhD preferred) Experience of leading lithium-ion cell program from concept to Start of Production (SOP) for high volume application Strong understanding of cell components and their interactions inside the cell. Strong understanding of electrochemical properties of lithium-ion batteries. Experience in cell design and development for high volume production programs. Experience in developing DFMEA and PFMEA, PPAP, Line audit. Demonstrated experience in cell validation. Experience with fault tree analysis and

DFMEA/PFMEA

of electrochemical systems, for identifying root cause and applying mitigation strategies to development issues. Familiar with common electrochemical techniques such as EIS, GITT, CV, PITT, etc. Excellent knowledge of development trends in the lithium-ion battery space. Can work independently with minimum supervision and collaborate closely with colleagues. Passionate about lithium-ion battery development, especially in EV. Strong communication, time management, and project management skills.

Nice to have:

Knowledge of fast charge development methodology. Experience in estimating lithium-ion battery lifetime. Experience in data analysis AI tools such as Claude, Codex, and Cursor is a plus. Understanding of how battery cells are integrated into automotive (HEVs/PHEVs/EVs), or consumer electronics applications. Working knowledge of

SAE, FMVSS, ECE, GBT/QCT

standards and regulations relating to automotive traction batteries, and with statistical methods for understanding process capability.