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Mechanical Engineer Intern

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

Location

Palo Alto, CA

Salary

Not specified

Type

fulltime

Posted

Today

via linkedin

Job Description

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.

Role Summary

Join our RVTECH JV team as a Mechanical Engineering Intern. In this role, you will get hands-on experience designing the mechanical systems used to test vehicle electronics. You won’t just be watching; you’ll be helping develop mechanical solutions for design characterization, validation, and manufacturing of next-generation Electronic Control Units (ECUs).

Responsibilities

  • Design \& Prototyping: Assist in designing modular mechanical fixtures for testing vehicle electronics, starting with manual bench-top setups.
  • CAD Engineering: Utilize 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) to create models, assembly drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
  • Hardware Integration: Learn how to design custom mechanical interfaces (like pogo-pin or "bed-of-nails" style probing) to connect to complex vehicle electronics.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside senior engineers to define mechanical test requirements and understand how mechanical design impacts the "testability" of electronics.
  • Systems Scaling: Help design rack-based test systems intended for high-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Documentation: Gain experience creating professional engineering diagrams and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for automated systems.

Qualifications

  • Education: Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
  • CAD Skills: Basic proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks is a plus, but Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, or ProE are also great).
  • Technical Curiosity: A strong interest in how mechanical hardware interacts with electronics (reading basic schematics or navigating PCB layouts is a plus).
  • Hands-on Mindset: You enjoy "building things" and aren't afraid to work with technicians to see your designs come to life.
  • Communication: Ability to clearly explain your design choices and collaborate with a team.

Bonus Points (Nice To Have)

  • Previous internship or project experience in Automotive, Aerospace, or Semiconductors.
  • Familiarity with basic electronics/circuitry or vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN, etc.).
  • Experience with 3D printing or rapid prototyping.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range/Hourly

Rate for Internships

: The range of pay for internships is 45\.00-51\.00 per hour depending on degree level. Actual compensation will be determined based on location, and other factors permitted by law.

Rivian provides robust wellness benefits, and a medical insurance package for interns, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26\. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.

Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [email protected].

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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