Quality Technician, Pre-Production

Role Summary

The primary purpose of the Quality Technician, Pre-Production is to support, help organize, and perform the overall daily activities of pre-production processes to ensure the Build in Quality mindset and the attention to details are applied within the assembly process. A highly skilled Launch Quality Technician should be able to identify quality concerns and be very flexible with other teams to provide feedback to downstream & upstream groups, in order to analyze, get evidence to rectify those items ahead of the next assembly operation. Areas of responsibility may include multiple assembly lines, warehouse, and repair bays within a manufacturing environment.

In this role, you will work simultaneously in many program variants, that would include different Design Engineers, Supply Chain Engineers, Operations Group Leaders, and Quality engineers in different locations, to ensure that all branches of quality functions are ready to deliver high-quality vehicles to our customers. This opening will be located at our Irvine, CA facility and reports directly to the Launch Quality Manager.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a strong quality culture within the launch team

• Procure all necessary materials and equipment required to initiate the Quality Inspection Process

• Exhibit the ability to develop, implement, and monitor product and process inspection checklists that prioritize safety standards

• Continuously revise Standard Operating Procedures to proactively identify potential irregularities that may cause process inefficiencies

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how to operate and maintain measurement tools, including verniers, calipers, measurement gauges, torque tools, beams, and controllers

• Gather and maintain clear and organized records of assembly concerns and their evidence, using technical language

• Enhance product and process quality by defining and implementing recommendations for improvement

• Develop, perform, and teach material within the department, emphasizing to new employees the consequences of substandard work in product inspection plans

• Foster open communication with cross-functional teams to address Quality Concerns and demonstrate team spirit in a dynamic launch environment

• Exhibit professionalism while performing assigned duties and act as a reliable point of contact for the cross-functional launch team

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of launch phases, acronyms, and key stakeholders

• Cultivate a positive and productive relationship with the pilot manufacturing team

• Create, explain, and monitor quality documents, including Job Elements Sheets, Single Point Lessons, and quality alerts

• Support and coach team members to ensure adherence to standard work and processes, including data gathering formats and templates

• Proactively and independently determine methods and procedures for addressing new issues

• Quickly identify the criticality of a quality concern and initiate the preliminary steps of a generic issue troubleshooting process

• Actively support management by volunteering for new assignments after a working level meeting

• Perform necessary parts operations, such as ordering, receiving, and organizing, using a variety of methodologies, techniques, and practices to ensure efficient part utilization

• Verify that all parts supply, part pedigree, and documentation (including work instructions) are in place to facilitate operations that meet the expected quality standards

• Encourage contractor alignment with company vision and goals, lead continuous improvement activities as require

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

• Confirmed willingness to work overtime (as required)

• 2+ years’ experience in manufacturing production, assembly, or quality processes and automotive/mechanical experience

• Experience with Kaizen / Continuous improvement process, and problem-solving skills (8D, 5 Whys methodology, validation plans)

• Moderate knowledge of new product launch phases, prototype vehicles, and associated KPIs

• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced, highly ambiguous, multi-cultural environment with cross-functional teams

• Firm understanding of how complex production lines operate including production control, material handling, supply chain, quality, and production team

• Technical experience with identifying Non-Conforming Material and ability to raise an initial disposition proposal in general assembly and battery shops

• Ability to read, interpret and develop Job Elements Sheets, Single Point Lessons, and quality alerts

• Understanding of quality expectation in pre-production vehicles and inspection times

• Highly developed criteria for vehicle perceived quality, and moderate craftsmanship knowledge (vehicle aesthetics) with a critical eye for potential assembly issues

PREFERABLE

• Certified forklift driver (Preferable)

• Facilitator / Trainer experience

• Willingness to travel for 2 weeks out of the state and rotate shifts (as required)

• Moderate SAP (Software) Knowledge

Pay Disclosure

Hourly Range for California Based Applicants: The hourly rate range for this position is $33.29 - $36.99 for California based applicants.  This is the lowest to highest hourly rate we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.   The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual performance bonus.   Benefits Summary:  We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.    You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than September 1, 2026.