Sr. Audio Software Lead, Infotainment Platform

Sr. Staff Audio Software Lead, Infotainment Platform

Join to apply for the Sr. Staff Audio Software Lead, Infotainment Platform role at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

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.

The Infotainment team is at the core, reimagining what mobility can be. They are responsible for building the ecosystem that delivers a beautiful and intuitive in‑vehicle experience to our drivers and passengers.

• Lead development of the audio software stack, overseeing design, implementation and optimization using Android Automotive and Qualcomm audio solutions.
• Define overall audio system architecture, integrating audio functionality into the larger infotainment platform and ensuring performance, quality and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, system architects and UX/UI teams to guarantee tight integration and highest quality standards for latency, synchronization and sound fidelity.
• Work with quality teams to define and execute comprehensive testing strategies.
• Utilize audio processing technologies to enhance vehicle audio systems, including noise cancellation, spatial audio and advanced audio routing.
• Integrate third‑party audio applications through Android Automotive, ensuring seamless user experiences across platforms such as voice assistants and third‑party apps.
• Implement software optimizations and innovations to improve system performance, power efficiency and user experience; lead resolution of performance bottlenecks and troubleshooting of complex audio issues.
• Lead the effort to identify, troubleshoot and resolve customer‑reported audio issues, collaborating with support teams and providing technical expertise to solve real‑world problems.
• Lead a team of audio/software engineers, providing technical guidance and mentorship to foster innovation and continuous learning.
• Maintain high‑quality documentation of design, development processes and key technical decisions; provide regular updates and technical reports to leadership on progress, risks and challenges.
• Stay up‑to‑date with industry trends in automotive infotainment, audio technologies and Android development; propose and drive adoption of new tools, techniques and best practices.

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ (experience with JAVA/Kotlin, Python, Shell script is a plus).
• Experience technically leading a team of software engineers.
• Passionate about audio technology and eager to work on innovative projects shaping the in‑car audio experience of Rivian/VW customers.
• Develop software for infotainment audio systems.
• Design, implement and debug audio drivers, firmware and AOSP components.
• Strong background working on Android audio software.
• Expert level knowledge of the Android Audio stack (Media framework, Audio HAL, ALSA kernel, audio routing, audio focus and mixing, latency, session management, volume control).
• Knowledge of AOSP build system, workflow and cross‑platform development of native applications.
• Enhance performance, quality and reliability in audio systems; these are the main distinguishing points from the generic posting.

• Previous experience with echo cancellation / noise suppression, multichannel audio, voice assistant features.
• Familiarity with Qualcomm Audio DSP and Audio Weaver/Audio Reach framework/tools.
• Preferred familiarity with automotive Android audio concepts (audio bus architecture, car audio services, dynamic routing, amplifier tuning, multi‑zone audio, chimes, AVAS).

Salary Range for California based applicants: $237,000 USD –…