Sr. Lubrication Engineer

Sr. Lubrication Engineer Rivian - 2.7 Plymouth, MI Job Details Full-time 23 hours ago Qualifications Product design project leadership Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering Thermal analysis Laboratory experiment design Report preparation Fluid dynamics Communication with suppliers Mechanical product design layouts New product introduction engineering projects Content creation for technical audiences 3D modeling software Noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) analysis for vehicles Requirements specification Requirements design Performance testing in mechanical engineering Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) 5 years Defect analysis Design of experiments Mechanical Engineering Lubrication PDM software Reliability analysis Aerospace Engineering GD&T Master's degree Process simulation software 3D modeling for product design System design for system development Collaboration with product development teams Full Job Description Develop lubrication strategies for electric drive units, gearboxes, differentials, and half shafts to meet durability, efficiency, NVH, and thermal targets across the full vehicle duty cycle. Utilize first-principles engineering—specifically in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Heat Transfer—to develop innovative component designs and system architectures from the ground up. Lead the design of lubrication system components such as pumps, filters, seals, and plastic injection molded components from concept to production release. Create component specifications with detailed design requirements and validation plans that support higher level lubrication system and drive unit requirements. Lead suppliers and the internal cross functional team to ensure components meet all design, manufacturing, commercial, quality, and service requirements. On-site supplier support will be required during product launch. Document design best practices and lessons learned to support continuous improvement activities and streamline the product development cycle. Partner with System, DRE, Materials, Reliability, and Test teams to incorporate lubrication needs into design concepts, DFMEAs, validation plans, and design reviews. Design experiments and test equipment to support bench, rig, dyno, and vehicle tests focused on lubrication system and component performance. Analyze field and development test data to identify lubrication-related issues (noise, wear, varnish, deposits, leaks) and drive robust root-cause analysis and corrective actions. Prepare clear technical documentation and reports, and present recommendations and trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership. Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

General:

5+ years of relevant experience in lubrication engineering, component design, or closely related roles in automotive, off-highway, industrial gearboxes, or similar applications.

CAD & PLM

Strong CAD skills with experience in 3D parametric modeling, 2D drawing creation, and PLM systems (CATIA/ENOVIA preferred).

Standards:

Strong knowledge of

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

standards for radial and linear stackups.

Simulation:

Familiarity with system analysis and simulation tools (e.g., FEA, MFA, CFD, SPH, or thermal/oil flow tools) is strongly preferred.

Validation:

Experience designing or reviewing validation plans and accelerated tests for lubrication performance based on vehicle duty cycles and environmental conditions.

Tribology:

Experience in tribology, thin-film lubrication theory, and lubricant formulation is a bonus. Ability to work independently, structure ambiguous problems, and drive decisions. Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to clearly explain complex design and lubrication topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Hands-on, data-driven approach to problem solving, including root-cause analysis of test or field issues and clear documentation of findings and next steps. A continuous-learning mindset and curiosity to explore new technologies and manufacturing methods that improve efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Location Plymouth, MI (13250 N. Haggerty Road) or other Rivian development centers as business needs evolve.