Sr. Embedded Engineer, Vehicle Motion & Control Systems

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 As a Senior Embedded Engineer (RIV 5 equivalent), you will be responsible for the technical design, implementation, and rigorous validation of sophisticated real-time control algorithms for features such as Autonomous Driving motion control, advanced power modes, or high-voltage energy management. You will serve as a system-level debugging expert, bridging embedded code with data analytics to optimize performance across ECUs. Responsibilities Design and implement trajectory-control algorithms in Embedded C for Autonomous Driving features, which can scale across various chassis architectures. Lead technical meetings and code reviews, providing technical feedback to drive traceable and high-quality solutions. Ensure seamless integration of control algorithms with the vehicle motion-control and state estimation software stack. Lead system-level debugging, root cause analysis, and issue resolution across multiple vehicle domains. Analyze system behavior using data analytics tools and methodologies to identify issues and improvement opportunities. Develop, execute, and manage detailed daily test plans, and create and deploy test cases on various test automation platforms (data playback, SIL, HIL). Collaborate with systems engineers to define feature-level requirements and ensure functional analysis using hierarchical DFMEA. Qualifications Education : Master’s Degree or higher preferred in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields, with prior coursework in non-linear control and / or optimal control. Experience : 5+ years of experience in systems integration, embedded controls, or with trajectory control algorithms in automotive, aerospace, or related fields is preferred. Technical Skills : Proficiency with Embedded C / C++ and Python. Deep understanding of embedded systems and RTOS. Demonstrated expertise in debugging embedded systems and automotive networking protocols (specifically CAN, LIN, and Ethernet). Experience troubleshooting complex field issues with developer-driven field data analytics. Proficiency in firmware development processes and relevant tools (Git, Gtest). Experience leveraging analytic tools (e.g., Vector CANalyzer / CANape or similar automotive data / logging platforms) for large-scale data review. Pay Disclosure Salary Range / Hourly Rate for Palo Alto Applicants : $147,000 - $183,000 USD (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Salary Range / Hourly Rate for Irvine Applicants : $135,000 - $168,900 USD (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). 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.