Inspiring mission, passionate people, rewarding work
Pros
The authenticity and passion that permeates the Rivian culture, from the CEO on down, is inspiring and contagious. There is a drive to make the world better for our kids' kids' kids, not from a place of ego, but instead from a genuine and intense sense of care and compassion. Though I didn't know when I joined, the people I work with at Rivian are incredible - interesting, great at what they do, humble, and passionate. Though it gets harder as we scale, bringing in people who are strong cultural fits as well as highly qualified for their roles is core to maintaining our incredible culture. I can go to any Rivian office and easily connect with coworkers I've never met before. The vision for the company and the brand is clear, and the willingness RJ (CEO) has had to challenge vehicle design, projects, and employees who don't align with the vision or culture is admirable. Rivian is clear about what it is - we don't try to be something we're not for the purpose of getting attention or gaining favor. Because there is so much to do, there is an opportunity to gain experience outside of your core responsibilities and make a meaningful impact quickly. It's fun to question what's been done and be able to build from a blank slate.
Cons
Working at a rapidly growing startup comes with its own set of challenges, like lack of defined process, ambiguity, and a ton of work to be done. Work-life balance can be a challenge, but the excitement and passion for the work provides continual motivation. Working at a startup is not for everyone, but there is no place I'd rather be.
