Kate Rummel

About Kate Rummel

Mechanical Engineer | Process Improvement | Data Driven Analytics | Automotive Manufacturing | RunnerHello! I\'m Kate and I’m a mechanical engineer with 4+ years of hands-on experience in automotive manufacturing, focused on turning messy, real-world problems into clean, data-backed solutions. At Rivian Automotive, I partnered closely with manufacturing and integration teams to optimize processes and improve line availability by as much as 50%—work that required equal parts technical rigor, cross-functional communication, and practical execution on the floor.My background spans process improvement, project management, non-conventional machining, CAD, and data analytics, but what really drives me is understanding how systems behave and making them work better—faster, more reliably, and at scale.Outside of work, I’ve been a runner for over 15 years and currently work part-time as a Fleet Feet outfitter. That experience has reinforced my interest in performance-driven products and user-centered design, and I’m especially drawn to opportunities where engineering, data, and product execution intersect.

Experience

1. Sr Process Engineer, Propulsion (Stator)

   Rivian

   Oct 2023 — Present · Normal, IL, US

   Drove data-driven continuous improvement on the drive unit manufacturing line (stator assembly), identifying production constraints and implementing process optimizations with line teams.• Owned improvement projects end to end—from analysis and design through implementation—partnering with design, controls, and robotics teams to deliver measurable production gains.• Built and maintained standardized manufacturing documentation and troubleshooting guides to improve line reliability and knowledge transfer.•Supported and mentored Process Engineering Technicians and junior engineers through hands-on project work and exposure to engineering best practices.

Education

• California State University, Chico

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering

  2015 — 2020