Manager, Manufacturing Engineering (Battery Module)

Rivian is on a mission to redefine sustainable transportation and energy. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Manager of Battery Manufacturing Engineering to lead extended equipment, automation, and process development and implementation projects. As a Manager in our battery manufacturing engineering department, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our production capabilities, driving efficiency, quality, and scalability in a critical area of our growth. You will lead a team of engineers and play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful launch and ongoing operation of our overall module process. This role is located at our Normal, IL or Irvine, CA facility and reports directly to a Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering.

Team Leadership and Management:

Lead and manage a team of 3-8 Manufacturing Engineers focused on battery module line equipment, automation, and process projects from initial concept through full-scale production. Define individual contributor roles and responsibilities to ensure team success.

Project Execution:

Accountable for the successful project execution of assigned projects, measured in terms of cost, safety, performance, and delivery schedule.

Technical Business Acumen:

Bridge technical needs and business justification by translating complex technical requirements into clear and compelling business cases for investment and resource allocation.

Process Innovation:

Develop and implement innovative mechanical and controls techniques to establish new methods for assembling, joining, and testing unique assemblies to meet capacitive and voltage requirements of the battery module or pack.

Compliance and Safety:

Ensure all equipment and processes comply with relevant safety standards, company policies, and applicable regulations and codes.

Vendor Management:

Develop equipment and process specifications, evaluate vendor capabilities, and provide data-driven sourcing recommendations. Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Provide in-depth Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to the Product Engineering team to optimize designs for efficient, robust, and high-quality assembly processes.

Problem Solving:

Solve complex technical problems using fundamental engineering principles and data-driven methodologies.

Technology Advancement:

Lead research and development efforts for new manufacturing technologies that address assembly and automation challenges within the battery module production.

Cross-Functional Partnership:

Partner effectively with cross-functional teams (e.g., Product Engineering, Quality, Production) and manage expectations to ensure stakeholder engagement and successful delivery of engineering solutions. Build strong working relationships with partner organizations to facilitate quick issue resolution.

Standards and Best Practices:

Develop and maintain manufacturing engineering standards and best practices to ensure consistent and efficient operations.

Strategic Planning:

Strategically look ahead to define and drive strong quarterly goals that extend beyond immediate program needs, and develop detailed week-to-week plans to ensure the team is aligned and focused on achieving these goals.

Program Focus:

Maintain a strong focus on program success, proactively identifying and addressing potential roadblocks to ensure on-time and high-quality delivery.

Headcount Planning:

Plan for future headcount needs within the next year to support the growth and evolution of the battery module manufacturing team.

Team Coordination:

Coordinate activities within your team to ensure successful execution in your focus area, with a clear understanding of individual contributor roles and responsibilities.

Feedback and Coaching:

Actively participate in quarterly recharge conversations, providing timely and constructive feedback to team members.

Team Development:

Directly lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, fostering an environment where individuals can grow their technical and professional skills. Develop the ability to recognize and propose plans for enhancing overall team competence by identifying skill gaps and developing strategies to address them.

Data Analytics:

Have basic understanding and knowledge of transforming data sets into useful dashboards that can be used to track process metrics and/or root cause analysis. Drive data mindset across the team to ensure decisions are based on process performance. BS/ in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field. 7+ years of hands-on experience in an automated manufacturing environment, including building and troubleshooting automation systems and acquiring experimental data. Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing demands, and meet tight deadlines across multiple simultaneous projects. Proven success in planning and project managing the installation of equipment or facilities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated aptitude for quickly learning new systems and technologies. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively communicate with direct reports and peers within a manufacturing and engineering organization. Ability to quickly align small teams (< 10 people) around action plans and status updates. Strong attention to detail with excellent record-keeping and organizational skills. Experience in complex electro-mechanical system design. Experience transitioning automated systems from prototype to production. 1 Proficiency in 2D & 3D CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Solidworks, Catia). Ability to travel both domestically and internationally as required.