Embedded Software Engineer

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.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and define the next generation of vehicle access products, replacing traditional solutions with seamless experiences on mobile devices and wearables. In this role, you will be a technical leader, driving the software architecture and working in close collaboration with our hardware and security teams. You will set the technical direction for features that bring the magic of keyless entry and mobilization to our customers, ensuring the highest standards of security and reliability.

This senior role requires strategic collaboration across the organization, including with cloud, security, and mobile teams, to deliver cohesive and innovative solutions.

• Architect, design, and lead the development of industry‑leading vehicle access solutions for features like passive entry, immobilization, remote entry, and digital key distribution.
• Drive the technical vision and define system requirements by collaborating with cross‑functional partners including EE/Hardware, Security, Body Controls, Infotainment, and Mobile to deliver robust, end‑to‑end features.
• Own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of critical software components, from architectural design and prototyping through to production deployment, performance tuning, and long‑term support.
• Mentor junior engineers, foster technical excellence through rigorous code reviews, and champion best practices in embedded software development, testing, and security.
• Solve the most complex and ambiguous technical challenges, performing deep-dive analysis and creating solutions that are scalable, secure, and reliable across various vehicle platforms and hardware configurations.
• Influence the long‑term technical roadmap for the vehicle access domain, identifying opportunities for innovation and driving strategic improvements in our technology stack and development processes.

• B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in embedded software development.
• Expert‑level proficiency in C or C++ with a deep understanding of embedded systems constraints, memory management, and hardware/software interaction.
• Proven experience architecting and developing complex software for Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or bare‑metal environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects and make critical design trade‑offs in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• A strong systems‑thinking and user‑centric mindset, with a track record of shipping high‑quality products.

• Domain expertise in automotive systems, particularly in body control, security, or connectivity modules.
• Working knowledge of automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN or automotive Ethernet.
• Proven ability to design and implement robust test strategies and automation frameworks (SIL/HIL).
• Experience with low‑power wireless protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultra‑Wideband (UWB), or Near Field Communication (NFC).
• Experience with security‑minded software development, using cryptographic algorithms for encryption and authentication applications such as access control and secure boot.
• Experience with modern programming languages like Rust and scripting languages like Python.

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for California Based Applicants: $146,900 - $183,600 USD (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Rivian and Volkswagen Group…