Sr. QMS Engineer

Role Summary

Rivian is seeking a highly experienced Sr. Quality Engineer to play a critical role in the development, maintenance, and improvement of our Quality Management System (QMS). This individual will be instrumental in ensuring our operations adhere to the highest standards of quality and compliance. The Sr. QMS Engineer will be responsible for updating and authoring quality standards, coaching our internal auditing team, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented professional with a strong understanding of QMS principles and a passion for fostering a culture of quality excellence. You will collaborate with various departments to implement robust quality processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the overall strategic quality objectives of the company.

Responsibilities

• Quality Management System (QMS) Support and Enhancement

• Maintain and improve the existing QMS documentation, ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other applicable standards).

• Support the development and implementation of new QMS processes and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and product quality.

• Act as a subject matter expert for QMS-related inquiries and provide guidance to various departments on QMS requirements.

• Coordinate and support external audits (customer, regulatory, IATF 16949 certification) and drive timely and effective closure of any identified non-conformances.

• Standards Development and Management

• Lead the creation, review, and revision of internal quality standards, procedures, work instructions, and specifications.

• Ensure all controlled documentation is current, accurate, and effectively implemented throughout the organization.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts across departments to develop comprehensive and practical standards that reflect best practices.

• Manage the document control system for quality-related documentation.

• Auditing Team Coaching and Development

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and training to the internal audit team to enhance their auditing skills and understanding of QMS requirements.

• Support the planning and execution of the internal audit program, ensuring its effectiveness in identifying areas for improvement.

• Review internal audit reports, guide auditors in developing effective corrective action requests, and verify the closure of audit findings.

• Promote a culture of constructive auditing focused on process improvement and risk mitigation.

• Continuous Improvement Initiatives

• Identify, analyze, and lead continuous improvement projects related to quality processes, product quality, and QMS effectiveness.

• Utilize quality tools and methodologies to investigate quality issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, analyze trends, and report on progress to management.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and quality awareness throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial), Quality Management, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in a quality engineering role with significant experience in Quality Management Systems.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Proven experience in writing, revising, and implementing quality standards, procedures, and work instructions.
• Strong experience with internal and external auditing processes.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to train and coach others effectively.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or IATF 16949 Lead Auditor or 2nd Party Auditor certification.
• Experience in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing or advanced automotive technologies.
• Proficiency with QMS software and document control systems.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $98,500 - $123,100 per hour for Illinois 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.