Software Engineering Intern - Vehicle Controls (Summer 2027)

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies • Palo Alto, CA

23h

About The Position

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture focused on developing software and technology for software-defined electric vehicles. This general application covers multiple internship openings across its Vehicle Controls teams. Candidates selected for interviews will be matched to a specific team based on their backgrounds and interests.

Vehicle Controls interns work on embedded software or control algorithms for vehicle domains such as propulsion and dynamics, energy storage and charging, thermal and HVAC systems, body controls, functional safety, or systems engineering and test automation. Project areas may include battery management, charging and energy distribution; thermal, HVAC, body, or lighting controls; vehicle dynamics or propulsion algorithms; safety analysis and requirements; automated testing in Unit, Software-in-the-Loop, or Hardware-in-the-Loop environments; and systems engineering activities such as requirements definition, architecture, or homologation.

Interns design, implement, and test embedded software or controls algorithms for an assigned domain, writing production-quality code primarily in C or C++ and using Python for test tooling. They collaborate with systems and test engineers to validate features, support testing in SIL, HIL, or bench environments, help debug issues, and communicate progress and technical tradeoffs.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program at an accredited US university.
• Proficiency in C or C++, with some exposure to Python.

Nice To Haves

• Actively pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field, with intent to return to school after the internship.
• Coursework or project experience with embedded systems, control theory, or real-time operating systems.
• Familiarity with automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, or Automotive Ethernet.
• Exposure to MATLAB and Simulink for controls modeling.
• Interest or coursework in functional safety concepts such as ISO 26262.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test embedded software or controls algorithms for an assigned vehicle domain.
• Write production-quality code in C or C++, using Python for test tooling.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and test engineers to validate features before deployment.
• Support test execution in Software-in-the-Loop, Hardware-in-the-Loop, or bench environments and help debug issues.
• Communicate progress and technical tradeoffs to the team throughout the internship.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Full-time employee benefits may include health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs; offerings vary by country.
• The role is eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units, subject to board approval and the terms of the equity incentive plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern