RJ Scaringe
Robert Joseph Scaringe is an American engineer and founder of Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer. Born in Florida, he earned his PhD from MIT before launching Rivian in 2009. Rivian went public in 2021 and became a major force in the EV market with the R1T pickup and R1S SUV.
RJ Scaringe's Bio
Robert Joseph Scaringe is an American engineer and businessman who founded Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, in 2009. Born in Rockledge, Florida, he grew up restoring cars in his neighbor's garage before earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and later a master's and doctorate from MIT's Sloan Automotive Lab.
After witnessing the environmental damage caused by combustion vehicles, Scaringe dedicated his career to sustainable transportation. He founded Mainstream Motors in 2009 as a consulting firm, which evolved into Rivian Automotive by 2011. The company spent years in stealth mode developing its electric adventure vehicles before revealing the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV.
Rivian achieved one of the largest IPOs in history in November 2021, listing on Nasdaq and cementing its place as a major EV manufacturer. Scaringe serves as chairman and CEO, leading the company through supply chain challenges, a volatile public market, and the upcoming launch of the more affordable R2 SUV. Under his leadership, Rivian has also forged partnerships like its $5.8 billion software deal with Volkswagen Group.
Beyond Rivian, Scaringe founded Mind Robotics and remains a vocal advocate for electrification across the automotive industry, believing competition among EV makers benefits consumers and the planet.
Career Timeline
1983 — Born in Rockledge, Florida
Robert Joseph Scaringe was born on January 19, 1983, in Rockledge, Florida, where he would later found Rivian.
2001 — Graduated Melbourne Central Catholic High School
Completed secondary education in Melbourne, Florida, growing up as a car enthusiast who restored vehicles in his neighbor's garage.
2005 — BS in Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from RPI, laying the foundation for his automotive engineering career.
2006 — MS in Mechanical Engineering, MIT
Completed a master's degree in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
2009 — Founded Mainstream Motors at Rivian
Launched Mainstream Motors in Rockledge, Florida, as the sole employee with a vision for sustainable transportation. The company later became Rivian.
2011 — Renamed to Rivian Automotive
The company changed its name from Mainstream Motors to Rivian Automotive, signaling a shift toward electric vehicle development.
2018 — R1S SUV Debut at LA Auto Show
Rivian unveiled its R1S electric SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, introducing the company's adventure-vehicle vision to the world.
2021 — Rivian IPO on Nasdaq
Rivian went public on the Nasdaq in November 2021 in one of the largest IPOs in history, with Scaringe retaining significant voting control as chairman and CEO.
2022 — Launched R1T Pickup Truck at Rivian
Deliveries of the R1T electric pickup truck began, making Rivian the first company to bring an electric pickup to consumers.
