Sr. Systems Engineer, ADAS Control

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 looking for a highly skilled and forward-thinking ADAS Controls Systems Engineer to design and validate the core control systems for our next-generation driver‑assistance features. You will be a key player in a dynamic, cross‑functional team, shaping the controls that guides autonomous motion. The ideal candidate will be a strong systems engineer with comprehensive knowledge of ADAS sensors, actuators, HW‑SW architectures, vehicle motion controls and vehicle simulation platforms seeking challenge in a fast paced environment.

• Author, analyze, and manage system and software requirements for ADAS longitudinal and lateral motion control features.
• Decompose high‑level feature requirements into precise, verifiable engineering specifications for control algorithms, state machines, and system performance.
• Collaborate with HMI/UX, safety, and product teams to ensure a seamless and intuitive driver experience.
• Design and model robust control strategies for vehicle motion using techniques such as PID, LQR, and Model Predictive Control (MPC).
• Develop state estimation algorithms (e.g., Kalman filters) for key vehicle states (vx,ax,ψ,ψ˙).
• Conduct simulations (SIL/HIL) in MATLAB/Simulink and other environments to tune and validate algorithm performance against requirements.
• Contribute to Functional Safety work products compliant with ISO 26262 guidelines
• Work closely with the testing team to analyze data, debug issues, and iterate on designs.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in ADAS, robotics, or automotive controls development.
• Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory (e.g., stability analysis, state‑space methods, MPC).
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow for modeling and simulation.
• Solid understanding of vehicle dynamics (longitudinal and lateral).
• Experience with programming in Python / C / C++ / Rust.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles and tools (e.g., JAMA, DOORS, SysML/UML).
• Experienced with Vector CAN tools.
• Experience with validation efforts at different test levels (MIL, SIL, HIL, Component, Vehicle).
• Experience performing DFMEA and /or STPA.
• Excellent cause and effect analysis skills.

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in applying AI/ML techniques to engineering workflows. Specific experience with LLMs, NLP, or generative AI is a major plus.
• Proven experience taking an ADAS feature from concept to production.
• Experience with ADAS Simulators (CARLA or proprietary tools) while integrating motion controls.

Salary Range for Irvine Applicants: $135,100 - $168,900 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 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…