Controls Engineer, Propulsion

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.

We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Controls Engineer to join the Propulsion and Dynamics Controls team. You will be responsible for developing and testing embedded software that scales across all our products, and delivers exciting vehicle performance while ensuring driver safety. You will work closely with systems and test engineers to define requirements and integrate functionality across the full life cycle of core vehicle features, such as Regenerative Braking, Hill‑Hold and Traction Control.

• Develop and implement control algorithms for core vehicle‑propulsion features
• Refactor and improve existing code to allow it to scale to new vehicle programs and powertrain platforms
• Collaborate with systems engineers to define requirements for software features
• Collaborate with Vehicle Dynamics engineers to optimize vehicle performance by iterating on software and calibration parameters
• Develop Python‑based vehicle dynamics models for use in SiL (Software‑in‑the‑Loop) and HiL (Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop) testing environments
• Rigorously test control algorithms in simulated (SiL, HiL) and real‑world environments before deployment
• Design and implement software diagnostics for component‑ and system‑level failure modes

• Minimum Bachelor of Science degree (Masters Preferred) in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, or related fields
• Background in classical and/or modern control theory; able to demonstrate a working knowledge of control theory principles (PID, stability analysis, cost function minimization, LQR, MPC)
• Minimum 1 year of hands‑on engineering experience in automotive, aerospace or a similar industry
• Proficiency with Embedded C/C++ and Python
• Experience with firmware development tools and processes (e.g. git, Gtest)
• Experience with industry‑standard automotive data‑logging tools (Vector CANalyzer/CANape, Dewesoft or equivalent)

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Irvine, California Based Applicants: $107,000 - $133,700 USD (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full‑time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board https://inte

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,…