Steer-by-Wire SBW in development by Rivian!

[Electric Rivilution]

Credit to @Hilbe for the job listing find. Looks like Rivian is starting development of a steer by wire (SBW) system. Hot question is which vehicle(s) will get it first??

Job listing: https://careers.rivian.com/careers-home/jobs/25513


Sr. Staff Technical Program Manager, Steering Actuator System

• Irvine, California
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

Role Summary

We're looking for a highly experienced and driven Sr. Staff Technical Program Manager to lead the end-to-end execution of our innovative Steering Actuator System. This pivotal role is nested within our Powertrain Technical Program Management Team, offering a unique opportunity to drive a critical technology that will define the future of our vehicles.

As the Sr. Staff TPM for Steering Actuator System, you won't just oversee engineering deliverables; you'll have full cradle-to-grave ownership of the SBW subsystem. This includes guiding its development from concept through to production and beyond, ensuring seamless integration and exceptional performance.


Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Drive the comprehensive execution of the Steering Actuator System program, ensuring all aspects align with overall vehicle program goals and timelines.
• Cross-Functional Orchestration: Lead and coordinate efforts across diverse teams, including Engineering (Hardware, Systems), Software, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Supplier Quality.
• Technical & Business Ownership: Own all facets of the Steering Actuator subsystem, from high-level requirements definition and detailed engineering integration between Engineering, Commercial & Manufacturing to critical business metrics like Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and Investment.
• Supplier Oversight: Provide overall ownership and strategic direction for Steering Actuator System suppliers, working closely with the Procurement and Supplier Quality teams to ensure all quality, delivery, and cost targets are met.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and business risks throughout the program lifecycle.
• Timeline & Budget Adherence: Develop, maintain, and relentlessly drive aggressive yet achievable program schedules and budgets.
• Communication & Reporting: Provide clear, concise, and regular updates on program status, risks, and achievements to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Problem Solving: Act as the primary point of contact for all program related issues, leading root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the Steering Actuator System meets all performance, safety, and quality standards, working closely with supplier quality and validation teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in technical program management within the automotive industry, with a strong focus on complex vehicle systems.
• Demonstrated experience with steering system, braking system, or other safety-critical systems is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of full end-to-end program ownership, including engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and financial aspects (COGS, investment).
• Strong technical acumen with the ability to understand complex engineering challenges and communicate effectively with technical teams.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, capable of influencing and motivating cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Experience collaborating with procurement and supplier quality teams for global supplier management.
• Proficiency in program management tools and methodologies (e.g., Gantt charts, risk registers (Jira), critical path analysis).
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. Master's degree preferred.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range for California Based Applicants: $196,000.00 - $245,000.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).


Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment.

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[Gen(R3)Xer]

I’d say the R3X would be a perfect candidate, especially in Rally Mode, but the Gen 3 R1s could certainly benefit. No more excessive turning of the steering wheel, especially getting out of a parking lot or trying to line up a trailer.

I think the R2 and the R3 will be more budget friendly, so no steer-by-wire unless it trickles down in the future.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I’d say the R3X would be a perfect candidate, especially in Rally Mode, but the Gen 3 R1s could certainly benefit. No more excessive turning of the steering wheel, especially getting out of a parking lot or trying to line up a trailer.

I think the R2 and the R3 will be more budget friendly, so no steer-by-wire unless it trickles down in the future.

Yes and no. R2 is getting many things R1 doesn't yet have. Like the haptic scroll wheels, which would [most likely] appear on R1 when the flagship line gets updated once again. So basically whatever is about to launch is going to get the latest available tech. Steer-by-wire is actually cheaper for production—fewer components to assemble, less time on the assembly line. The cost is in software development; in what mode/situation to steer at X ratio. Electric servos instead of the entire hydraulic and mechanical steering assembly. I'd wager, eventually, all three product lines will be steer-by-wire. R3 likely the first to get it. We're too close to R2 launch for them to be hiring just now.

 

[Rade]

Not a piece of architecture that I find to be a selling point. What happens if your vehicle has a catastrophic failure while in motion? Essentially, you are in an 4-ton out-of-control rolling tank. One of the assuring technical bulletins I found was about the mechanical linkages in the R1T between the steering wheel and the front suspension.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

They

Not a piece of architecture that I find to be a selling point. What happens if your vehicle has a catastrophic failure while in motion? Essentially, you are in an 4-ton out-of-control rolling tank. One of the assuring technical bulletins I found was about the mechanical linkages in the R1T between the steering wheel and the front suspension.

They could keep those and still have steer-by-wire. Automakers that dabbled with the tech did this in the past. Only the CT doesn’t have the redundancy.

 

[captainjp]

Not a piece of architecture that I find to be a selling point. What happens if your vehicle has a catastrophic failure while in motion? Essentially, you are in an 4-ton out-of-control rolling tank. One of the assuring technical bulletins I found was about the mechanical linkages in the R1T between the steering wheel and the front suspension.

With today’s technology wouldn’t you think there would be a fail-safe? I find it hard to believe that Rivian would open itself up to such a liability. My guess is a mechanical linkage or a redundancy in the electronics that are buck-ups.

 

[Nixapatfan]

Not something I'd say is an upgrade, steering feel is already too vague steer by wire will just make it completely non existent. No thanks would rather they add rear steer or torque vectoring to reduce turning circle instead.

 

[JamboF4]

Not a piece of architecture that I find to be a selling point. What happens if your vehicle has a catastrophic failure while in motion? Essentially, you are in an 4-ton out-of-control rolling tank. One of the assuring technical bulletins I found was about the mechanical linkages in the R1T between the steering wheel and the front suspension.

“Steer-by—wire” (fly) flight controls have been in all modern airliners for decades now, without a single accident attributed To a failure. What’s to prevent Rivian from adding stand-alone, independent power source (a battery) for just the steering unit…also, like an airliner. Just a thought.

 

[azbill]

“Steer-by—wire” (fly) flight controls have been in all modern airliners for decades now, without a single accident attributed To a failure. What’s to prevent Rivian from adding stand-alone, independent power source (a battery) for just the steering unit…also, like an airliner. Just a thought.

I used to design FBW systems. The redundancy is triple and even quadruple for those systems. Three independent power and hydraulic systems, typically quad redundant actuators and computers. The software development standards are also much more rigorous than what is done in automotive.

My Hummer has steer by wire on the rear wheels, but the travel is limited and they also self center with power removed.

 

[shortyjacobs]

“Steer-by—wire” (fly) flight controls have been in all modern airliners for decades now, without a single accident attributed To a failure. What’s to prevent Rivian from adding stand-alone, independent power source (a battery) for just the steering unit…also, like an airliner. Just a thought.

Modern airliners also tend to have far less of a chance of just crapping out in the air because they are super redundant and very well engineered. Plus to get a new airplane certified for commercial use is a MASSIVE amount of testing and qualification and study. Way way way way more scrutiny and regulation compared to what a new car goes through. I love our Rivian, but it's super new tech that still glitches a significant amount.

I love the possibilities opened up with drive by wire, but I hope it still has a mechanical linkage. I have the same feelings about brakes, (brakes should always fail to a mechanical system), and door handles, (one reason I really really don't like the Gen2s).

I love the rapid development and people pushing the limits, but I wish the auto industry had some more safety regulations that are actually relevant today. Technology is developing so fast and is only being guardrailed by laws that were written for entirely different vehicles, (12V vehicles with big tanks of gas VS vehicles with 800 volts coursing through them, etc.). We need a modern version of 60s-70s Ralph Nader, honestly....either that or a whole lot more people are gonna have to die before the Government steps in.

One person dying in a car fire because they can't figure out the 19 step process to rip open the door is too many.

 

[mkg3]

The technology for steer-by-wire is already on Teslas and the reliability or failure is not there issue. Most vehicles today uses electronic power steering (EPS) that mechanically connects the steering wheel to the EPS. So steer-by-wire is just replacing the connection between the EPS the steering wheel electronically.

The issue is the driver feedback onto the steering wheel, from my perspective. Its sort of like driving a console games with steering wheel - sucks. Obviously, this is over simplification but still sucks.

Many sports cars and off road vehicles need feedback to know things like wheel slip (all directions) road condition and so on. The hydraulic power steering (HPS) is excellent at this as long as its not overly boosted for light weight steering.

While HPS is more robust, EPS is lower cost and require less maintenance (e.g., needing to add power steering fluid).

So steer-by-wire a progress? Yes, though for me, not welcomed.

 

[HaveBlue]

I used to design FBW systems. The redundancy is triple and even quadruple for those systems. Three independent power and hydraulic systems, typically quad redundant actuators and computers. The software development standards are also much more rigorous than what is done in automotive.

My Hummer has steer by wire on the rear wheels, but the travel is limited and they also self center with power removed.

Yes exactly you nailed it. Even the early fly by wire planes like the 737 had hydraulic backup connected to the flight surfaces.

F that! The Rivian craps into turtle mode or Park if your seatbelt or somthing simple fails. It has no redundancy and actually has the opposite where it cascades failures into unrelated systems. No way in hell I'm buying one with FBW steering. That's coming from someone who also has a background in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science.

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