The Material Flow Engineering Manager at Rivian is a critical leadership role responsible for designing, optimizing, and executing the end-to-end material supply chain, from external suppliers directly to the assembly line. The primary goal is to ensure material availability to meet high-volume production targets while maintaining efficiency and safety. This role requires a technical leader capable of navigating ambiguity, driving cross-functional strategy, and implementing "first-principles" engineering solutions across the global footprint. This role is located at our Normal, IL facility and reports directly to a Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering.
Advanced Automation and AI Strategy:-
Lead automation of supply chain logistics and high-impact projects that bridge the gap between physical logistics and digital intelligence.
-
Leverage Artificial Intelligence and advanced automation to predict bottlenecks before they happen and optimize throughput in real-time.
-
Direct the deployment and integration of material handling automation, including Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and conveyor systems.
-
Strategy and Optimization:
-
Lead the development, modeling, and analysis of material flow strategies (e.g., sequencing, batching, storage) to achieve optimal cost, space utilization, and throughput.
-
Develop models to analyze the cost, throughput, and space factors for part sequencing, material batching, intermediate storage locations, and other material flow strategies.
-
Data & Systems Architecture:
-
Oversee the optimization and maintenance of cross-functional databases to ensure data integrity for material tracking and inventory control.
-
Collaborate with IT to architect and implement digital systems tailored to support evolving operational requirements.
-
Configure control cycles and logic for FLP and PACE systems to automate material replenishment triggers. (Rivian software)
-
Strategize IT hardware requirements and oversee the deployment of technology interfaces across the production floor.
-
Engineering & Layout Design:
-
Oversee the creation of efficient, Lean, and safe factory layouts and material flow plans, covering all processes from receiving through delivery to the production line.
-
Design high-efficiency warehouse layouts, including kitting cells, AGV pathways, and optimized material supply routes.
-
Specify and integrate material handling assets, including tuggers, AGVs, forklift and custom-engineered racking systems.
-
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering (MEs) to engineer material delivery solutions (dollies, lift tables, GFRs) that align with specific packaging ergonomics.
-
Engage with the Continuous Improvement (CI) team to prototype innovative equipment and optimize process cycle times.
-
Resource & Project Management:
-
Manage cross-functional project teams, vendor relationships (LLP), and project timelines to successfully deliver on safety, quality, and production metrics.
-
Conduct data-driven workload analysis to determine precise Headcount (HC) requirements and labor allocation.
-
Lead formal 'buy-off' procedures with Operations to ensure new processes meet safety, ergonomic, and throughput standards.
-
Drive project momentum through weekly status reporting, cross-functional alignment meetings, and proactive bottleneck escalation.
-
Documentation & Standard Work:
-
Author comprehensive Work Instructions (SOPs) and Job Cards to standardize tasks and minimize process variation.
-
Provide subject matter expertise during the conceptual phases of new projects to ensure 'Design for Logistics' principles are applied.
-
7+ years of experience in high-volume manufacturing OEM’s, logistics, or supply chain engineering, with at least 5 years in a formal supervisory or leadership capacity.
-
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
-
2+ years’ experience with data-based development of end-to-end supply chain, logistics, and/or material flow processes for high volume, high complexity production or logistics facilities.
-
Demonstrated skill in CAD software (AutoCAD) for layout planning, including 2+ years’ experience.
-
Strong capability in data analysis tools (Excel/Google Sheets) and analytical ability to break down complex problems and data sets to derive meaningful, actionable results.
-
Hands-on experience with key manufacturing and logistics systems, such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
-
Exceptional analytical abilities, proven leadership qualities, and strong communication skills necessary to navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment characterized by ambiguity.
Preferred Qualifications
-
An MBA or Master's degree.
-
Experience working with Yard Management Systems (YMS).
-
Experience with modeling or simulation software (Flexsim, AnyLogic, etc.) and data visualization tools (MS PowerBI).
-
Ability to understand Engineering and Design direction and provide focused supply-chain solutions accordingly.
