What Rivian looks for when hiring

Rivian is an electric vehicle manufacturer based in Normal, Illinois, with additional facilities in California and the United Kingdom. The company hires for roles across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, sales, customer service, and corporate functions. Unlike many tech companies, Rivian regularly recruits people without prior automotive or tech experience, particularly for production and assembly positions.

The hiring process varies by role level. Entry-level and production positions typically move faster — sometimes three to four weeks from process to offer — while engineering and management roles can take two to three months. Rivian uses online applications, phone screens, technical assessments for some roles, and in-person or video interviews depending on the position and location.

Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some roles, particularly in engineering and product development, require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Manufacturing and assembly roles often have no degree requirement but may ask for prior factory experience or a willingness to work shifts.

Key Takeaways

  • Rivian posts open positions on its careers website at rivian.com/careers, and you can filter by location, department, and experience level.
  • Production and assembly roles typically move through hiring in three to four weeks, while engineering and management positions take longer.
  • You will need a resume, a valid government ID, and proof of work authorization to complete the process process.
  • Rivian conducts background checks and drug screening for most positions before making a final offer.
  • The company offers benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

Where to find open positions at Rivian

The primary source for Rivian job openings is the company's official careers page at rivian.com/careers. This page lists all active positions across all locations and allows you to search by job title, department, location, and experience level. You can also set up job alerts so new postings matching your criteria arrive in your email.

Rivian also posts positions on general job boards including LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter. However, explore through the official Rivian careers site is faster because your process goes directly into their system without a third-party intermediary. If you find a position on another job board, look for a link back to the Rivian careers page and explore there instead.

The company occasionally recruits at job fairs, college career events, and industry conferences. If you live near one of Rivian's facilities — Normal, Illinois; Irvine, California; or Coventry, United Kingdom — local workforce development agencies sometimes post Rivian openings or host recruiting events.

How to prepare your process materials

Your resume should be a single page for entry-level roles and up to two pages for mid-career or senior positions. Focus on specific accomplishments rather than job duties: instead of "responsible for quality control," write "reduced defect rate by 12% through process improvements." For manufacturing roles, highlight any experience with machinery, safety protocols, or team coordination. For technical roles, list programming languages, software tools, and relevant projects.

Rivian's process form asks for your work history, education, and contact information. Some positions include a short-answer section where you explain why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to the team. Spend time on these answers — they are read by hiring managers and can move you ahead of candidates with similar experience. Mention specific aspects of Rivian's work that appeal to you, whether that is the company's environmental mission, the engineering challenges, or the growth opportunity.

For technical and engineering roles, Rivian may ask you to upload a portfolio, GitHub profile, or examples of past work. Have these links ready before you start the process so you do not have to search for them mid-process. For manufacturing roles, you typically do not need a portfolio, but you should be prepared to discuss any certifications you hold, such as OSHA training or forklift operation.

The interview process for different role types

Production and assembly roles usually begin with a phone or video screening lasting 15 to 20 minutes. The recruiter confirms your availability, work authorization, and basic qualifications. If you pass this screen, you are invited to an in-person interview at the facility, usually with a production supervisor or hiring manager. This interview focuses on your reliability, ability to follow safety procedures, and willingness to work shifts or overtime if needed. Bring your government ID and proof of work authorization — you will need these before your first day if you receive an offer.

Engineering, product, and corporate roles typically include multiple rounds. The first is usually a phone screen with a recruiter. If you advance, you may complete a technical assessment or case study, depending on the role. This is followed by one or more video or in-person interviews with team members and managers. For senior roles, you may meet with multiple departments or executives. These interviews assess both your technical skills and how you work with others.

Throughout the process, Rivian may ask behavioral questions about how you handled past challenges, disagreements with colleagues, or tight important date. Use specific examples from your work history rather than general statements. Prepare stories that show problem-solving, teamwork, and learning from mistakes.

Background checks and final offer stage

After interviews, Rivian conducts a background check and drug screening for most positions. The background check typically covers criminal history, employment verification, and education verification. This process usually takes one to two weeks. You will be asked to authorize the background check and provide consent for the screening company to contact your previous employers.

If the background check clears, you receive a written offer letter. This letter includes your job title, start date, salary or hourly rate, and benefits information. Review it carefully and confirm the details match what was discussed during interviews. If anything is unclear, ask the recruiter before you sign. Once you sign and return the offer letter, your start date is typically set for one to three weeks later.

Rivian requires proof of work authorization before your first day. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, bring your passport or state ID plus Social Security card. If you require visa sponsorship, discuss this with the recruiter early in the process — Rivian does sponsor visas for some roles, but not all positions are open to visa candidates.

Benefits and compensation at Rivian

Rivian offers health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) to full-time employees, with the company covering a portion of premiums. Part-time and temporary workers may have limited benefits depending on hours worked. The company also offers a 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions — typically the company matches a percentage of what you contribute, up to a certain limit.

Paid time off includes vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays. The amount varies by role and tenure, but most full-time employees receive between 15 and 25 days of paid time off annually. Rivian also offers parental leave, bereavement leave, and unpaid leave options for personal circumstances.

Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement for job-related courses or degrees, mental health resources, and employee discounts on Rivian vehicles. Manufacturing employees at the Normal, Illinois facility may be may be able to access for union representation depending on their role — check with the recruiter about union status for the specific position you are pursuing.

What to expect on your first day and beyond

Your first day typically includes orientation, safety training, and paperwork. For manufacturing roles, you will spend time in safety training covering facility procedures, emergency protocols, and equipment operation. For office roles, you will receive IT setup, building access, and an overview of company systems and policies. Most new employees are assigned a mentor or buddy who helps them navigate their first weeks.

Rivian is growing rapidly, which means roles can change and advancement opportunities appear frequently. Many employees move into different positions or take on expanded responsibilities within their first year. If you are interested in growth, discuss career development with your manager during your first few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior automotive experience to work at Rivian?

No. While automotive experience is valued for some roles, Rivian hires many people without it, particularly for production, assembly, and entry-level corporate positions. The company provides training on equipment, processes, and safety. Prior manufacturing or factory experience is helpful but not required.

How long does it take to hear back after explore?

For production roles, you may hear back within one to two weeks. For engineering and corporate roles, it can take two to four weeks before you receive a phone screen. If you do not hear back within a month, you can contact the recruiter listed in the job posting to check on your status.

Does Rivian sponsor visas for international candidates?

Rivian sponsors visas for some positions, particularly in engineering and specialized technical roles. Not all positions are open to visa candidates. During the process or recruiter screen, ask whether the specific role you are pursuing is may be able to access for sponsorship.

What is the dress code for interviews at Rivian?

For production and manufacturing roles, business casual or neat casual clothing is appropriate. For engineering, product, and corporate roles, business casual is standard. You do not need a suit, but avoid very casual clothing like t-shirts with graphics or worn jeans.

Can I transfer between departments or locations after I am hired?

Yes. Rivian encourages internal movement, and many employees move to different roles or locations as the company grows. Typically you need to be in your current role for at least six months before you are may be able to access to transfer, but this varies by department. Discuss growth opportunities with your manager and check the internal job board for openings.