Failure Analysis Engineer - NDT

Role Summary

Reliability is at the core of Electric Adventure Vehicles. This position sits in Rivian's Tustin, CA Failure Analysis Lab and is dedicated to non-destructive evaluation across Rivian's full product line.

• Own the lab's computed tomography and optical metrology capability, producing the high-fidelity imaging and dimensional data that drives root cause determination.
• Support programs spanning new product development, production line escapes, warranty, and field failures.
• Work as an integral member of the FA team in Tustin, in close partnership with the FA engineers at our Normal, IL production facility.
• Serve cross-functional customers across Energy Storage, Chassis, Body, Thermal, Closures, and Electrical Engineering — from battery cells and power electronics to castings, closures, and structural assemblies.
• Operate in a hands-on, high-throughput environment where the quality and speed of your imaging and analysis directly determine how quickly Rivian identifies and corrects hardware failures.

Responsibilities

We are looking for expert-level, hands-on depth in the following areas:

• Setup, operation, and technique development of the NSI X5000 CT scanner with 225 kV and 450 kV X-ray sources, or an equivalent industrial CT system — including source and detector selection, scan parameter optimization, and radiation safety practice.
• Expertise with VG Studio Max reconstruction software, or equivalent, covering volume reconstruction, porosity and void analysis, surface mesh generation,  CAD-to-part nominal comparison, and dimensional measurement.
• Advanced capability in sample preparation techniques and in the operation of the scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) for fractography, surface characterization, and elemental analysis.
• Advanced capability with the Keyence VR-6000 optical profilometer, or equivalent, and its associated diagnostic software for 3D surface and form measurement.
• Working knowledge and hands-on use of optical microscopy — Keyence VX-series, Zeiss, Olympus, or equivalent — and 2D X-ray inspection.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of five years of relevant hands-on experience.
• NDT Level 2 or Level 3 certification preferred.
• Automotive or other regulated-industry experience preferred.
• Ability to independently scope an analysis and determine the correct sequence of non-destructive examination prior to any destructive work.
• Comfort documenting findings in clear, well-visualized technical reports for both engineering and executive audiences.
• A self-directed approach, the ability to carry a high-volume analysis queue with minimal ramp, and a desire to help build a respectful, inclusive, and inspiring team culture.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $77,800 - $97,300 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.  You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). There is no fixed deadline for this application; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled or the opening is no longer needed.