Toxic culture, poor leadership, chaotic - Sr Manager, Product Development Rivian Employee Review

1.0
Apr 16, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Inspiring mission/vision, and unique brand.

Cons

Most toxic culture I’ve ever experienced in tech - and have experienced a lot in Silicon Valley. Think Game of Thrones meets Squid Game meets Lord of the Flies. Territory wars and politics, self-preservation above all else, and run by immature leaders. Poor leadership lacks focus and alignment. Too much energy spent on gaining clout and self-preservation vs focusing on what’s best for the greater good of the products and company. Managers quick to throw others under the bus, including their own employees vs taking responsibility/accountability for the performance of their teams. Leaders from different teams/orgs fighting over ownership of the same work, causing ICs to be caught in the middle, unclear on their priorities and job duties. A lot of politics and alliances - success for individuals and teams depends highly on who you know and have relationships with. Many low-performers make it far because of the friends they have, and their performance reviews are ignored. Extremely toxic culture towards women and minorities. Org leader publicly made fun of those whose English is a second language, commented on political beliefs of others, and openly expressed disdain of children and those who have them. On the ground reality is a far cry from the inclusive, collaborative, mission-oriented PR Rivian puts out. Company priorities and program plans changing very frequently causing a lot of thrash and whiplash for teams - results in low motivation and morale as anything can be canceled or deprioritized at a moments notice, seemingly without much strategy or reasoning. Decisions are frequently made and then reversed.

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5.0
May 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Startup, people care about the work being done.

Cons

Upward mobility is unclear, and competitive.

5.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Friendly & Positive Energy there Good work experience Free: Breakfast Food / Snacks / Drinks & subsidized lunches...

Cons

Long Hours for employees Very little office space while I worked there (even for Managers) A bit Noisy in the Labs...

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