Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Rivian•Palo Alto, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will occupy a critical, high-impact role at the intersection of early-stage hardware innovation and mass production. You will be responsible for bringing new custom electronic boards to life, writing the low-level software that validates prototype designs, and developing the Device Under Test (DUT) software that ensures flawless functional test and calibration on the factory floor. This role requires a rare blend of deep low-level firmware expertise, agility in prototype environments, and a rigorous engineering mindset for factory test automation.

Requirements

BS + 5 years or MS + 3 years or equivalent experience in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Proven track record of developing firmware in C or C++ and working with Real-Time Operating Systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, QNX, or similar).
Strong ability to read electrical schematics, understand component datasheets, and utilize standard lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
Deep understanding of ARM Cortex-M/A microcontrollers, RISC-V, or similar architectures, including memory maps, interrupt handling, and DMA.
Hands-on experience with embedded protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN/CAN-FD, and Ethernet.
Experience writing test scripts or test executives in Python to interface with factory DUT firmware.
Prior experience deploying embedded code into high-volume electronic manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with Git, CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems, and agile development methodologies.
Demonstrated strong creative thinking and problem-solving toolbox
Ability to collaborate and drive direction through multidisciplinary discussions
Have a fine eye for detail, yet the ability to ‘zoom out’ and see the big picture

Responsibilities

Architect, implement, and optimize low-level peripheral drivers (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, CAN-FD, PCIe, Ethernet) for next-generation custom controller, sensor, and actuator electronics.
Lead the initial software bring-up of first-article prototype boards. Write rapid, robust prototype software to validate hardware functionality, stress-test ICs, and provide feedback to the hardware design team.
Design and maintain the embedded software architecture for Devices Under Test (DUT) deployed in high-volume manufacturing environments. Develop test firmware that maximizes test coverage and minimizes cycle time on the line.
Partner closely with Electrical Engineering, Production SW, Controls SW, Systems Engineering, UX, Manufacturing Test, and Reliability teams to define hardware-software interfaces and test strategies.
Diagnose and resolve complex, intermittent hardware/software interaction.
Simplify complex functions and features to their core components using first principles approach to drive simple and structured requirements and production friendly solution working with broader team
Drive technical decisions and guide the team in the right direction.
Think holistically. Understand the impact of your plan or decision to program and customers.
Deep dive into technical issues to drive data-driven decisions.
Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the position