Sr. Design Release Engineer, Drive Unit Differentials

• Author and manage Rivian Statement of Requirements (SOR) for Drive Unit Differential technologies, lead supplier compliance assessment to SOR thru sourcing; as well as Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), Bill of Materials (BOMs), and technical specifications within PLM software (e.g., Teamcenter, Enovia).
• Work cross-functionally purchasing and technical program manager (TPM) members, lead/support supplier technical reviews, technical assessments, and compliance to SOR.
• Use Pugh Matrix and document adherence to requirements, risk assessment, and technical recommendation. Work cross functionally with purchasing and technical program manager (TPM) members.
• Manage the full product lifecycle from concept (CAD geometry) through Design Validation (DV), Process Validation (PV), launch, and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Integration

• For electro-mechanical systems, partner with Software & Controls teams to optimize disconnect actuators, and seamless front/rear axle disconnect strategies for maximum BEV efficiency. Lead collaboration for Rivian advanced technology exploration such as eLSD.
• Collaborate with NVH & Efficiency teams to minimize gear whine, mesh friction, and drag losses inherent to high-RPM electric motors.
• Work closely with Drive Unit Manufacturing & Assembly engineers to ensure Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA).

Supplier & Technical Leadership

• Direct tier-1 suppliers on component development, tooling timelines, cost targets, and quality deliverables.
• Lead engineering risk assessments including DFMEA, DVP&R, and Boundary Diagrams.
• Root-cause technical issues during prototype builds, dyno testing, track validation, and field operations using 8D / 5-Why methodologies.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in drivetrain, axle, or transmission engineering, with specific focus on differential design/release.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, NX) and PLM systems.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical differential architectures:
• Open Differentials (bevel/planetary gear sets)
• Limited-Slip Differentials (clutch-pack, mechanical, eLSD)
• Disconnect Systems (dog-clutches, electromechanical actuators, free-wheeling units)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of differential interfaces, such has Halfshafts, Gears, Actuator/Electrical, etc.
• Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and stack-up analysis.
• Experience running and interpreting DFMEA and DVP&R documentation.
• Strong project management, communication, and vendor-management skills., * Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Direct experience with BEV drag-reduction strategies (e.g., front-axle disconnect units for AWD BEVs).WE