Lead Color Materials & Finish Designer

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

As a Lead CMF Designer at the Rivian Design Studio, you will drive the aesthetic vision for our vehicles, accessories, and energy products. You will be a vital part of a team that creates and executes world-class products, pushing the boundaries of material innovation and translating our brand philosophy into a tangible experience.

You will be involved in every aspect of the CMF design process, from trend research and story creation to material development and final production. Success in this role requires a demonstrated ability to create compelling and innovative solutions, while collaborating with global suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation.

Responsibilities

Lead the CMF vision for our entire product ecosystem, defining the creative direction for vehicle interiors, exteriors, and Adventure Products.

Drive material innovation through advanced research, exploring everything from traditional materials like polymers and metals to textiles, wood, and beyond.

Manage the entire CMF process from concept through production, ensuring design intent is upheld through color and material development and final implementation across all commodities.

Forecast and analyze future material trends to inform and develop cohesive CMF strategies for upcoming product development.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, identifying new resources and managing a comprehensive internal library of innovative materials and finishes.

Create high-quality visualizations using industry-standard software (Vred, Blender, Keyshot, and AI tools) to effectively communicate CMF concepts.

Benchmark competitive vehicles and support the broader design team in setting design direction.

Partner with engineering, mastering, and design quality teams to ensure the final product flawlessly reflects the original design intent

Qualifications

Your portfolio is a critical component of your application. Please provide a link and any necessary credentials that allow us to review your work in this space. Submissions without a portfolio will not be reviewed.

A Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Textile Design, CMF Design, or equivalent professional experience with evidence of exceptional ability.

6+ years of professional CMF design experience with a strong portfolio.

Relevant experience in the automotive industry, including familiarity with its development and manufacturing processes.

Superior color acuity, with a proven ability to score 16 or lower on the Munsell Hue Color Test.

Proficiency in design and visualization software, including Vred, Blender, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and KeyShot.

Proven ability to leverage emerging technologies such as Adobe Substance, Cinema 4D, Figma, and AI tools to enhance the design process is a plus.

Proven expertise in materials research and development.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to clearly articulate a design vision and foster cross-functional collaboration.

A keen eye for sophisticated design, high attention to detail, and a passion for creating premium products.

Able to manage multiple projects and personal workflows independently with minimal supervision.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and contribute to shared goals.

Capable of operating and thriving in a fast paced and dynamic work environment.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range Irvine-Based Applicants : $154,000-$192,500 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary : Rivian provides robust medical / Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.

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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

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.