Sr. Electronic Design Engineer, Sensing Systems

Rivian • Palo Alto, CA

4h • $132,000 - $165,000

About The Position

As a Sr. Design Engineer within Rivian’s Sensing Systems Team, you will be a core contributor to the architecture, development, deployment, and optimization of advanced sensing systems driving safety-critical, customer-facing features for Rivian’s autonomous vehicles. This role is deeply technical and hands-on, requiring a strong background in hardware systems engineering, sensor bring-up, vehicle integration, and cross-domain debugging. You will be responsible for ensuring sensors function reliably and meet system-level performance targets under real-world operating conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Expert proficiency with Python, strong C++ skills for performance-critical, production code.
• System and algorithmic optimization, robust software engineering best practices, and empirical performance analysis.
• Understanding of signal interfaces and protocols: CAN, Ethernet, SPI, MIPI, and synchronization methods (PTP, PPS).
• Familiarity with test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers), as well as vehicle data loggers and network analyzers.
• Familiarity with sensor fusion algorithms and the impact of physical alignment, timing, and data integrity.
• Working knowledge of sensor modeling and simulation tools.
• Highly effective communicator and team collaborator; demonstrated ability to partner across technical specialties and organizational boundaries to deliver end-to-end solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience integrating camera, radar, and LiDAR sensors in automotive or robotics platforms.
• Familiarity with one or more deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• Experience with vehicle integration and on-road validation, including structured debug of real-world sensor performance issues.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to hardware integration and validation of all ADAS sensors (camera, radar, LiDAR) into prototype and production vehicle platforms.
• Own the sensor SW interface definition, including ethernet / MIPI / CAN frame formats and PTP timesync.
• Own the sensor FW development and sensor bring-up, including functional validation and failure analysis.
• Work closely with perception, controls, and embedded software teams to ensure sensor data integrity and system alignment.
• Develop and execute system-level test plans, including lab validation, vehicle-level testing, and environmental stress screening (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC).
• Implement and refine sensor calibration and alignment processes, including static and dynamic calibration for multi-modal fusion readiness.
• Drive issue triage and resolution across HW, FW, and mechanical domains with a rigorous, data-driven approach.
• Support sensor supplier selection, evaluation, and bring-up, including root cause analysis on field failures or yield issues.
• Maintain ownership of integration documentation, test artifacts, and interface control specifications.

Benefits

• Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26.
• Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
• Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees