Staff Mechanical Engineer - Closures/Latching Systems

Role Summary

As the Staff Body Closures Handle and Latch Design & Release Engineer, you will take full ownership of the end-to-end development, integration, and release of next-generation handle and latch mechanisms. Driving programs from early technology concepts through production and field support, you will manage complex supplier relationships, release critical components in Catia V6/Enovia PLM, and balance strict cost, weight, and timing constraints. This hands-on role combines CAD design, first-principles physics, and multi-functional leadership to resolve complex technical issues, establish engineering standards (DFMEAs, test procedures), and mentor junior engineers across the team.

Responsibilities

• Take full end-to-end ownership for the design, development, release, and lifecycle management of vehicle handle and latching mechanisms.
• Drive the architecture and implementation of new handle and latch technologies that elevate the overall customer experience.
• Establish and maintain core engineering standards, technical specifications, design guidelines, and quality documentation (DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans).
• Develop noise and environmental factor management strategies, addressing water intrusion, freezing conditions, and latch sound quality.
• Serve as the technical approver for closure subsystem designs at key vehicle program milestones.
• Decompose vehicle-level functional requirements into sub-system and component-level specifications.
• Lead cross-functional integration with Body Engineering, Studio Design, Quality, and Customer Experience teams.
• Manage component delivery in Catia V6 and Enovia PLM, balancing strict cost, weight, packaging, and timing constraints.
• Direct supplier engagement, simulation analysis (CAE), prototype builds, tolerance stackups, and validation testing.
• Lead root-cause problem solving for complex field and manufacturing issues, embedding campaign prevention into future standards
• Mentor and develop junior engineering team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
• 7+ years (Preferred) of automotive engineering experience with a heavy focus on latching systems, Handles, and closures mechanisms.
• Deep understanding of 1st-principle physics—loads, kinematics, forces, and trade-offs between packaging, function, and manufacturing.
• Proven track record of managing Tier-1 supplier teams to deliver high-volume mechanism products on schedule.
• Hands-on CAD design experience for mechanisms, closures, or structural components (Catia V6 / Enovia PLM preferred).
• Proficiency in tolerance stackup analysis and component tolerancing across varied materials and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated capability in leveraging CAE data to drive design decisions and optimization.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to self-direct and resolve multi-disciplinary issues under program pressure.
• Willingness to travel to supplier, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $137,800 - $175,000 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.