Fabrication & Design Lead

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.

Summary The Fabrication & Design Lead bridges the gap between engineering concept and physical execution. This hybrid role combines CAD or equivalent design expertise, hands-on fabrication capability, and daily technician team leadership. You will be responsible for designing components, carts, and dollies used by Material Supply, directly building and testing prototypes, and guiding a small team of technicians to meet production schedules, maintain shop safety, and uphold quality standards. This role will report onsite to the Manager, Continuous Improvement and will be based out of Normal, IL.

Design & Engineering (Design Engineer) CAD Modeling & Technical Drawings: Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D fabrication drawings using CAD software (Fusion 360, Bamboo studio or equivalent) adhering to GD&T standards. Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Design custom carts, dollies, tooling, jigs, fixtures, and prototype components optimized for efficient fabrication, machining, and assembly. Engineering Analysis: Perform basic stress, material, and tolerance stack-up analyses to validate design integrity prior to build. Design Iteration & ECOs: Test prototype builds, identify design flaws, and execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to improve performance and manufacturability. Fabrication & Prototype Execution (Fabrication Technician) Hands-On Fabrication: Operate shop equipment (CNC/manual mills, lathes, laser cutters, waterjets, Plasma tables and press brakes) to produce high-precision parts for builds. Welding & Joining: Perform TIG/MIG welding, soldering, and mechanical assembly of structural components and prototype units. Additive Manufacturing: Manage, operate, and maintain 3D printing equipment (FDM, SLA, SLS) for rapid prototyping. Inspection & Quality Control: Verify prototype parts against engineering drawings using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMM).

Leadership & Shop Management (Group Leader / Team Lead) Team Supervision & Workflow: Lead daily shift stand-ups, assign work orders to technicians, track project deliverables, and remove operational bottlenecks. Process Improvement & Lean: Implement 5S methodologies, Kaizen events, and root cause analysis (8D, 5-Whys) to optimize shop floor workflow and reduce downtime. Mentorship & Onboarding: Train and mentor junior technicians on safety protocols, equipment operation, and proper fabrication techniques. Safety & Compliance: Enforce shop safety rules, maintain PPE compliance, oversee tool maintenance schedules, and conduct periodic safety audits.

Engineering Skills: 3+ years of professional experience in 3D CAD modeling, GD&T application, and generating technical drawing packages. Fabrication Skills: 3+ years of hands-on experience in a machine shop, prototype lab, or custom fabrication environment operating manual/CNC machinery and performing metal joining/assembly. Leadership Skills: 1–3 years of experience leading a team, managing shift operations, or serving as a project/shop lead.

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field with 3+ years related experience preferred. Or Associate's Degree or Vocational/Trade Certification in Machining, Welding, Drafting/CAD Technology, or Mechatronics PLUS 5+years related experience. Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is $89,900 - $112,400