Process Architect, SDV Configuration & Release Management

About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary We are seeking a visionary yet hands-on Senior Staff Process Architect for our Process, Methods & Tools (PMT) team to build the "Digital Backbone" of our development, for both software and ECU hardware. In this pivotal role, you will lead the PMT architecture of our product configuration, change, variant, release and sign-off management, acting as the bridge between agile software velocity and strict automotive compliance. Your Role as a Sr. Staff leader within the Process, Methods & Tools (PMT) organization, you don't just bring processes & tools to life; you design the engine that turns code into road-legal software updates. You work side by-side with Systems Engineering/Integration, DevOps, ECU Hardware Development and OTA Systems to ensure a seamless "Digital Thread" from the initial requirement to the Over-the-Air (OTA) deployment. Responsibilities Architect End-to-End PMT Solutions You develop and own the end-to-end PMT architecture for configuration, change, variant, release and sign-off management. You cover the entire product portfolio: from pure software to complex ECU hardware and its combination, ensuring a consistent "Single Source of Truth" (BOM & SBOM) across the product lifecycle. Drive Cross-Company Integration You act as the central driver for harmonizing process and tool interfaces between RV Tech (Agile/SW-driven) and the VW Group brands (Physically-centric). You design the technical handshakes that couple these two worlds without slowing down development. Compliance-as-Code (UNECE R156) You architect and enforce a robust framework that guarantees compliance with SUMS (UNECE R156). Instead of creating bureaucracy, you ensure the integrity and safety of software updates by automating the generation of Audit Trails and RxSWINs directly within the toolchain. Champion Automation & Tool Integration (Hands-on) You champion the relentless automation of configuration and release incl. sign-off processes to eliminate friction and human error. "Walk the Talk": You take ownership of integrating embedded software configuration and release management PMT solutions into the broader landscape (PLM, ALM, CI/CD). Design the Release Sign-off You define the Release Management lifecycle and implement technical Quality Gates. You ensure that the "Sign-off" is a data-driven decision enabled by your system, separating process design (your role) from operational release decision (Quality/Safety role). Lead, Empower & Navigate Stakeholders You lead and mentor a high-performing team of experts, fostering a culture of radical ownership. You collaborate across boundaries with Homologation, Quality, Systems Architecture, Integration, HW development, DevOps and OTA systems to translate their diverse needs into elegant, effective PMT solutions. Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields. 10+ years in a technical leadership role, architecting configuration & release systems for complex product development / embedded systems (distinct from internal Enterprise IT / ITIL infrastructure). The "SDV Native" Advantage: Experience at a "Software-First" OEM or a High-Tech Tier-1 is highly desirable. You have lived through the challenges of OTA at speed and know what a mature CI/CD pipeline looks like. Cross-Industry Vision: Alternatively, experience in eVTOL / Urban Air Mobility, New Space, or MedTech is highly valued. We look for candidates who have successfully bridged the gap between agile velocity and strict safety certification (e.g., DO-178C, IEC 62304). Regulatory Fluency: Expert knowledge of UNECE R156 (SUMS) and ISO 26262. You execute compliance through automated workflows ("Compliance-as-Code"), not via manual documentation. Pay Disclosure Salary Range for Palo Alto applicants: $173,000 - $216,300 USD. The posted salary represents the lowest and highest ranges RV Tech reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position. Any posted salary range pertains only to the estimated starting pay for the role. Actual starting pay is based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, skillset, qualifications, specific competencies, relevant education, and location. Total Rewards Total compensation packages for this position include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity. In addition, our benefits package has been designed to support the health and wellness of our employees. Benefit offerings include Flex Time Off, retirement savings plans as well as medical, vision and dental coverage. For more information on RV Tech’s comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site. External candidates can apply for this role through the RV Tech Careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board (https://internal-careers-rivian.icims.com/). Equal Opportunity Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian and VW Group Technologies (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information. Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.