Staff Durability CAE Engineer, Explicit Dynamics

Rivian is seeking a Staff Durability CAE Engineer specializing in Explicit Dynamic simulations to validate vehicle structure robustness against extreme events. The role involves leveraging full-vehicle LS-DYNA models to simulate critical ground strike and extreme strength load cases, directly influencing the design and durability of chassis and underbody systems. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in explicit solver technology, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a proven track record of accurate simulation-to-test correlation, tackling demanding structural challenges in automotive.

Must Have

• Lead setup, execution, and analysis of complex, full-vehicle explicit dynamic simulations using LS-DYNA.
• Model and analyze critical scenarios including underbody ground strike and extreme strength load cases.
• Implement and manage LS-DYNA material cards with a focus on plasticity and failure parameters.
• Critically review explicit simulation results, checking energy plots, mass scaling, and solution parameters.
• Drive correlation of simulation models with physical test data.
• Collaborate with physical testing team for test setup, instrumentation, and boundary condition definition.
• Optimize LS-DYNA run times for large, full-vehicle models.
• Generate clear, coherent, and informative technical reports.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering or equivalent, with 5+ years relevant experience.
• Deep expertise in explicit finite element analysis (FEA) with LS-DYNA.
• Expert-level understanding of explicit simulation requirements (energy plots, time step control, mass scaling).
• Strong foundational understanding of vehicle suspension systems and vehicle dynamics behavior.
• Proven ability to correlate simulation models to physical test data.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Good to Have

• Experience with implicit solver software like Abaqus, OptiStruct, or Nastran.
• Proficiency in pre-processing tools like ANSA and/or Hypermesh.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, MATLAB) for post-processing and automation.
• Experience with durability or crash-related load case derivation and standardization.

Perks & Benefits

• Robust medical/Rx insurance packages
• Dental insurance packages
• Vision insurance packages
• Coverage for full-time employees, spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26
• Coverage effective on the first day of employment
• Rivian covers most of the premiums

Role Summary

Are you a highly skilled Staff Durability CAE Engineer specializing in Explicit Dynamic simulations? Do you thrive on replicating complex, real-world impact scenarios to ensure the structural integrity of next-generation vehicles?

Join our team and support the validation of vehicle structure robustness against extreme events. You will leverage full-vehicle LS-DYNA models to simulate critical ground strike and extreme strength load cases, directly influencing the design and durability of our chassis and underbody systems.

We are seeking a proactive and meticulous engineer with deep expertise in explicit solver technology, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a proven track record of accurate simulation-to-test correlation. If you're ready to tackle the most demanding structural challenges in the automotive world, we invite you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead Explicit Dynamics Simulation: Lead the setup, execution, and analysis of complex, full-vehicle explicit dynamic simulations using LS-DYNA.
• Simulate Extreme Load Cases: Model and analyze critical scenarios including:
• Underbody ground strike (step down impact, rock scrape impact, breakover impact, approach/departure impact & sand dune impact).
• Extreme strength load cases (curb drive-over, ditch drop, lateral curb strike).
• Implement & Calibrate Material Failure Definition: Implement & manage LS-DYNA material cards (e.g. \*MAT024, \*MATGISSMO) with a critical focus on plasticity and failure parameters to accurately replicate ductile failure and erosion in the vehicle structure.
• Ensure Simulation Quality: Critically review explicit simulation results, meticulous checking of energy plots, mass scaling, and solution parameters to ensure numerical stability and accuracy.
• Correlation and Validation: Drive the correlation of simulation models with physical test data, working to accurately replicate real-world behavior in the virtual environment.
• Support Physical Testing: Collaborate closely with the physical testing team, providing expertise to assist in appropriate test setup, instrumentation, and boundary condition definition.
• Optimize and Improve Efficiency: Proactively work on methods and techniques to optimize LS-DYNA run times for large, full-vehicle models without compromising accuracy.
• Structural CAE Support: Provide flexible support for structural durability CAE simulation work using implicit solver technology when required.
• Communicate Technical Insights: Generate clear, coherent, and informative technical reports that distill complex simulation results into actionable design recommendations for stakeholder teams.
• Model Management: Work with pre-processors like ANSA and Hypermesh for model build-up, meshing, debugging and model deck preparation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or equivalent, with 5+ years of relevant experience in automotive CAE/Durability.
• Deep expertise in explicit finite element analysis (FEA), with extensive, hands-on experience using LS-DYNA for full-vehicle dynamic simulations.
• Expert-level understanding of explicit simulation requirements, including checking energy plots (e.g., kinetic, internal, hourglass), time step control, and mass scaling.
• Strong foundational understanding of vehicle suspension systems and overall vehicle dynamics behavior.
• Proven ability to correlate simulation models to physical test data.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, specifically in creating high-quality technical reports.
• Experience with implicit solver software like Abaqus, OptiStruct, or Nastran for structural durability analysis is a plus.
• Proficiency in pre-processing tools like ANSA and/or Hypermesh is a plus.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, MATLAB) for post-processing and automation is a plus.
• Experience with durability or crash-related load case derivation and standardization is a plus.
• Minimum age of 21
• No driving related suspensions or revocation of Driver License (within a 3-5 year period)
• No drug or alcohol related driving incidents in the last 3 years
• No more than 1 serious moving violation in the last 3 years
• Must have a valid driver's license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle
• Will be subject to continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring