Process Engineer, Paint
Rivian · Normal, IL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Process
- Base pay
- $78k–$98k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at Rivian (automotive) in Normal, IL.
- They ask for
- 2+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Kaizen, 5S, Root cause, SPC, Painting / coating
- Base pay
- $78k–$98k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Process Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $78k–$100k. This one lists $78k–$98k.
Median of the low and high ends of 13 live postings that list pay, out of 23 process engineer openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 22 other live process postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 5% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 5+)
Typical $78k–$107k, from 12 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 57%
- ✓ Root cause 52%
- Six Sigma 43%
- ✓ SPC 39%
- FMEA 35%
- ✓ Tooling 30%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Kaizen, Painting / coating, EHS / safety, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Rivian
We found 1 person at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Brian → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Rivian in Normal
16 other open roles at this site · 1 person we found in process roles at Rivian.
- Staff Controls Engineer - Body · Controls · Senior
- Early Career - Manufacturing Engineer II - Body (Tooling & Process) · Process
- Sr. Quality Engineer, Containment Lead · Quality · Manager
- Sr. Quality Engineer · Quality · Senior
- Sr. Powertrain Production Engineer · Production · Senior
- Maintenance Technician I (Battery & Stamping) · Reliability · Technician
Full description from RivianAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
Process Optimization (Manual Decks): Analyze and optimize manual deck operations across the entire paint shop (prep, masking, sanding, tacking, spraying, and finesse/polishing) to eliminate technique variations and reduce bottlenecks. Automated Sealer Quality: Monitor the quality output of automated sealer cells, collaborating directly with maintenance, technicians, and external contractors to troubleshoot equipment issues and ensure consistent, high-quality sealer application. Defect Resolution: Perform root cause analysis (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys) on paint and sealer defects (dirt, runs, sags, orange peel, skips) to implement permanent corrective actions, reduce manual rework, and minimize material waste. Tooling Implementation: Evaluate, source, and integrate improved tooling and equipment (e.g., ergonomic sanders, optimized masking dispensers, upgraded spray guns) to reduce operator fatigue and improve finish quality across all manual zones. Process Confirmation: Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Conduct Layered Process Audits (LPAs) to verify adherence to validated techniques, fluid flow rates, and flash times. 5S & Contamination Control: Drive rigorous 5S practices across all manual decks and mixing rooms to eliminate dust/dirt contamination, organize chemicals/abrasives, and optimize point-of-use material flow. Safety & Ergonomics: Partner with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to mitigate VOC exposure hazards, ensure proper management of combustible materials, and resolve physical ergonomic risks at manual workstations. Continuous Improvement: Lead cross-functional Kaizen events and execute cost-reduction projects specific to the paint shop environment.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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 The Paint Process Engineer role focuses on maintaining and improving paint shop performance through process optimization, defect reduction, and rigorous adherence to safety and quality standards. This role is located on site in Normal, IL and will report to the Manager of Process Engineering within the Paint Department No Visa Sponsorship