Working in Irvine: Rivian
Andre Shields is a Cybersecurity Security Engineer at Rivian, where he has worked for over a year. He shares his perspective as a Rivian employee at the EV automaker’s Irvine office. Photo credit Blake Ricciardi
When Rivian’s industry-revolutionizing all-electric pickup truck is spotted in the wild, heads naturally turn. The EV manages to be both endearingly familiar and wildly innovative. The people who run Rivian embrace a similar duality: a deep sense of commitment to their product and yet a refreshingly holistic approach to work life.
Rivian is an Irvine-based juggernaut. Its cars are built in Illinois and various Rivian offices hum across the globe, but the core of the company is in Irvine. Of the 399 California-based open positions on Rivian’s Careers page, 128 are in Irvine. We connected via email with Andre Shields, a Cybersecurity Security Engineer, to learn about his life at Rivian.
The Vine: What is it like to work at Rivian?
Shields: Working at Rivian is like a breath of fresh air. The company understands the importance of supporting its employees. At Rivian, I’ve worked with leaders to ensure that our policies and benefits support our LGBTQIA2+ community. I am chair of the Rainbow Rivianites and a Cyber Security Engineer. My relationships with my peers are just as rewarding as working with leaders on internal policies and benefits.
The Vine: How does the company support its employees?
Shields: The first thing that comes to mind when I’m asked this question is our benefits. Rivian offers numerous mental and emotional wellness benefits including access to coaching and therapists. I can also proudly mention that Rivian now covers Gender Affirming Surgery (in/out of network), as well as Hormone Replacement therapy for employees and their dependents. Rivian also hosts company-wide conversations around mental and physical well-being, and we are always encouraged to speak up if we need help.
The Vine: What does the company do to support the Irvine community?
Shields: Most recently Rivian was a sponsor at the Juneteenth event at Great Park. Members and leaders of Black at Rivian had a space, and we featured some R1Ts. It was nice to meet people in the local community, see their reactions to our trucks and share our experiences.
The Vine: What else would you like Irvinites to know about Rivian as a company, as well as Rivian’s products?
Shields: Rivian likes to walk the walk before they talk the talk. With that being said, I would say keep an eye out for what we continue to do for the community and environment. There are so many people here dedicated to making the world a better place that I don’t doubt for a second that we’re going to have a well-rounded, positive impact as a company.
Although Rivian has announced layoffs and restructuring, the company is still hiring at a rapid clip. Interested in getting a front row seat to the future of EVs? Locals are welcome to explore opportunities available at Rivian in Irvine.