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CAE Engineer II - Interior Hard Trim & Door Trim

Rivian · Irvine, CA1w agoverified 21 h ago

BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $125k (354 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Run non-linear CAE simulations on interior plastic trim for crash, durability, and craftsmanship performance

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own virtual validation of injection-molded interior trim before physical sled tests at a fast-moving EV OEM.

Might not be for you. Pure computational desk role — no hands-on lab or material formulation work.

Computational or deskDeep specialist BS acceptable Realistic requirements

Adjacent materials roleEvaluate injection-molded plastics, foams, and interior composites... predict creep, stress cracking... polymer behavior, and fastener joint integrity

H-1B filings

Rivian filed 8 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Sr. Service Parts Engineer, Body Systems, Sr. Distribution Center Process Development Manager, Sr. Material Planner, Service Accessories. Median filed pay: $139K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
3+ yrs
Industry
Automotive
Role
R&D / Research
Materials
Injection-molded plastics8 rolesFoams34 rolesInterior composites
Techniques
LS-DYNA2 rolesABAQUS6 rolesNon-linear dynamic simulationSled testing

Role details

As a CAE Engineer II, you will own the structural integrity, dynamic safety, and craftsmanship performance for Rivian’s Interior Hard Trims and Door Trim systems (including portions of Instrument Panels, Consoles, Pillars, Cargo Trim and Door Panels). You will utilize non-linear, transient dynamic simulations to solve complex plastic structural failures, optimize snap-fits, and ensure world-class fit, finish, and occupant safety before physical testing begins.

  • Execute High-Fidelity Simulations: Model complex non-linear dynamic, structural, and abuse load cases for Door Trim assemblies, Instrument Panels, Pillars, and Consoles.
  • Predict Interior Failure Modes: Predict crashworthiness, airbag deployment dynamics, door slam durability, step loads, and clip-on/snap-fit insertion and extraction forces.
  • Non-Linear Polymer Analysis: Evaluate injection-molded plastics, foams, and interior composites under thermal variations to predict creep, stress cracking, and dynamic ribbing/fastener failures.
  • Correlate & Validate: Accurately model interior attachment methods (ultrasonic welds, heat stakes, adhesives, clips) and validate virtual models against component and sled test results.
  • Optimize & Partner: Work directly with CAD and Design engineers to implement lightweighting, optimize rib patterns, and solve stress concentrations without compromising interior NVH or craftsmanship.
  • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or related field)
  • 3+ years of Automotive Interior CAE Experience
  • Time spent in a relevant Master's Degree program may count towards work experience
  • Proficiency in LS-DYNA or ABAQUS for non-linear static, dynamic, and dynamic impact/deployment analysis.
  • Proficiency in pre/post-processors (ANSA, HyperWorks, META).
  • Specialized expertise in interior plastic design guidelines, polymer behavior, and fastener joint integrity.
  • Knowledge of Interior Safety/Occupant Protection standards (e.g., FMVSS 201/201U Upper Interior Head Impact, FMVSS 214, FMVSS 208/226).

Preferred / Nice to Have:

  • Track record of leading interior hard trim programs from early architecture to physical test correlation.
  • Experience with optimization tools (LS-OPT, OptiStruct) for structural lightweighting.

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Common questions

Does Rivian sponsor H-1B visas?

Rivian has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the CAE Engineer II - Interior Hard Trim & Door Trim role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the CAE Engineer II - Interior Hard Trim & Door Trim role at Rivian based?

This role is based in Irvine, CA.

What degree is required for the CAE Engineer II - Interior Hard Trim & Door Trim role at Rivian?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this CAE Engineer II - Interior Hard Trim & Door Trim role require?

The posting calls for at least 3 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this CAE Engineer II - Interior Hard Trim & Door Trim role work with?

Injection-molded plastics, Foams, Interior composites.

What techniques or methods are required for this CAE Engineer II - Interior Hard Trim & Door Trim role?

LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, Non-linear dynamic simulation, Sled testing.