RJ founded Rivian in 2009 and led the company through a tough economic climate to secure substantial financing, recruit and scale an exceptional team, and establish the company’s product and technology platform. RJ excels in analyzing highly complex systems, combining deep analytical capabilities with a system-based development methodology. RJ earned his MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he was a member of the research team in the Sloan Automotive Laboratory. In leading Rivian, RJ works to maintain a highly collaborative environment and his hands-on approach drives innovative thinking into all aspects of the business and company culture.