Lead Supplier Development Engineer

at Rivian Automotive, LLC in Normal, Illinois, United States 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 You will work alongside cross-functional teams to drive Rivian quality requirements and manage our contract manufacturers quality performance ensuring seamless scaling of production. Your contributions will directly impact the performance and quality of Rivian Thermal commodity, ensuring successful launches for new programs as proper management on current ones. This role is located in Plymouth, MI or Irvine, CA or Normal, IL and reports to the Senior Manager of Supplier Development. This position requires up to 50% travel. Responsibilities Lead supplier industrialization and readiness for Thermal components (Coolant hoses, AC lines, compressors, HVAC, CRFM systems, coolant pumps, coolant Heaters, accumulator bundle), Support supplier selection and capability assessment for both greenfield (new plant) and brownfield (existing plant expansion) projects, ensuring alignment with program timelines and quality expectations. Drive APQP discipline and enforce PPAP requirements, ensuring suppliers meet dimensional, material, and performance validation before production approval. Develop and track industrialization project KPIs, including PPAP on-time approval, process capability (Cpk/Ppk), first-pass yield, and PPM targets to measure supplier readiness. Evaluate and validate supplier manufacturing processes by leading process audits, PFMEA reviews, control plan validation, and equipment capability/Run@rate assessments. Optimize supplier manufacturing scalability, ensuring production lines are capable of meeting increasing volume and quality expectations during ramp-up phases. Monitor supplier industrialization performance through KPIs such as on-time PPAP submission, process capability indices (Cpk/Ppk), defect rates (PPM), issue closure rate, and supplier corrective action effectiveness. Facilitate problem resolution using structured methodologies (focused problem solving) to address defects, process deviations, and launch roadblocks proactively. Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to drive VA/VE cost optimization, ensuring seamless design implementation into supplier manufacturing processes and technology while maintaining quality and performance standards Qualifications Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related field 7+ years supplier quality engineering experience Strong Knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) Technical expertise of automotive components designs and manufacturing, including knowledge of safety and test requirements and appearance approval process on Automotive/Non-automotive thermal components Specific technology knowledge in; Injection molding, Tooling, Assembly systems, Radiator and evaporator assembly systems, Actuators, Kinematics, Fin mill mfg. systems. Knowledge of Geometric Design and Tolerancing (GD&T) and datum structures In depth knowledge of IATF16949:2016 and understanding of ISO14001 Preferred Qualifications: Masters Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or other related fields Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment Good communication and interpersonal skills (Team Working) as well as negotiation skills. Ability to analyze and present data effectively --------------------------------------------------------- Pay Disclosure Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Illinois/Michigan Based Applicants:... For full info follow application link. Equal Opportnity 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 .... To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account