About the position

The Project Management and Facilities Production Design team acts as the strategic integrator and execution engine for Rivian’s global portfolio of production facilities. Heavily anchored in advanced project management processes, we are a diverse, cross-functional group of Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, and Building Specialists who drive projects from preconstruction through design, procurement, execution, and closeout. We are dedicated to rigorous financial stewardship, comprehensive risk mitigation, and strict project controls to ensure that schedule, budget, and operational metrics are consistently met. By effectively stewarding Rivian’s CAPEX investments, our team challenges the status quo to deliver innovative, cost-efficient solutions and build world-class facilities that enable Rivian to scale profitably without compromising product quality or executional safety. We are seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented leader to actively guide projects from preconstruction through design, engineering, procurement, execution, and closeout. The Senior Lead Project & Design Manager will serve as the primary point-of-contact for external design partners (Architects and Engineers of Record) while simultaneously ensuring schedule, budget, and operational metrics compliance. You will steward Rivian’s CAPEX investments—overseeing an estimated annual portfolio execution of \$100-\$500 million—to bolster BOM profitability without compromising product quality or executional safety.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main liaison between Rivian and external design partners to ensure alignment on project requirements and deliverables.
• Serve as the programming lead for internal cross-functional teams (Facilities, Logistics, ET, Security, Manufacturing Engineering) to translate end-user needs into effective space programs and blocking diagrams.
• Ensure all engineering disciplines (structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and life safety) are thoroughly coordinated, right-sized for business needs, and function harmoniously during commissioning.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure building systems properly support each shop's equipment and future flexibility.
• Understand and manage P&L statements, COGS, BOM costs, and AIA billing forms.
• Take responsibility for financial decisions up to \$300,000 per the Delegation of Authority (DOA) and prepare justifications for requests above the DOA.
• Evaluate, modify, and enforce the terms of vendor and lender contracts to protect Rivian’s interests.
• Collaborate with the Risk Management team by identifying, managing and mitigating risks while also realizing opportunities from concept through commissioning.
• Utilize expert knowledge of P6 scheduling, Earned Value Management Systems, and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) platforms like ACC, Navisworks, and Point cloud modeling.
• Accurately forecast budgets and avoid scope gaps or schedule slips.
• Provide continuous design support through the construction phase, leading the resolution of field issues, contractor RFIs, and submittals.
• Conduct periodic site observations to ensure final builds align with design intent.
• Partner with Commissioning agents and Quality Agents to de-risk projects and ensure a clean transition to the Facilities Maintenance and Utilities teams.
• Maintain clear, transparent communication to avoid change orders.
• Skillfully navigate escalations, de-escalations, and risk avoidance with stakeholders ranging from Senior Executive Operations and external government officials, to hourly employees on the production line.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Architecture or Engineering (or related discipline) with 10-15 years of applicable experience in design management, engineering, architecture, and construction.
• Strong knowledge of all engineering disciplines and their direct interface with manufacturing equipment.
• Expertise in advanced project management processes, construction documentation, and financial controls.
• Demonstrated soft skills and adaptability required to work effectively in a fluid start-up environment.
• Experience working in VDC, CAD environments, and managing major cross-functional workflows.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in a built environment field, engineering, construction management, or finance.
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Licensed Professional Architect or Engineer (or similarly recognized certification).
• Experience leading the successful delivery of large scale capital delivery projects.
• Experience applying sustainability principles and automating workflows through AI, and/or script programming
• Previous experience in execution and construction of automotive paint shops.

Benefits

• paid vacation
• paid sick leave
• life insurance
• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• short-term disability insurance
• long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• annual performance bonus
• equity awards