Sr. Software Engineer - Infotainment Software (Apple CarPlay)

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies • Palo Alto, CA

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About The Position

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture focused on technology for software-defined vehicles, including operating systems, zonal controllers, cloud, and connectivity solutions. The Sr. Software Engineer will help develop mission-critical in-vehicle applications for future Volkswagen Group vehicle lines, with a focus on Apple CarPlay integration. The role involves building reliable, performant smartphone-integration infrastructure and delivering a polished in-vehicle user experience in collaboration with UX/UI and Studio teams. The engineer will test the experience in labs and prototype vehicles, troubleshoot issues, research emerging technologies and interfaces, and work with other divisions on technology roadmaps, portfolios, and intellectual property.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field; at least five years of software development lifecycle experience and Java/Kotlin experience; and three to five years of C++ experience. Candidates should be proficient with Android and Android Jetpack APIs, including Android NDK and JNI, and have knowledge of Android design principles, performance and testing frameworks, embedded Android framework services, and code versioning tools such as Git and GitLab.

Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. The role is eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units, subject to board approval and applicable plan terms. Full-time positions may also be eligible to participate in an annual company performance bonus program; payments are discretionary and not guaranteed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of software development lifecycle experience, from requirements gathering through implementation and maintenance.
• At least 5 years of Java/Kotlin experience.
• 3–5 years of experience with modern object-oriented languages such as C++.
• Proficiency using Android and Android Jetpack APIs, including knowledge of Android NDK and JNI.
• Knowledge of Android design principles and application interface guidelines.
• Knowledge of Android performance and testing frameworks.
• Familiarity with embedded Android framework services.
• Excellent coding and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency with code versioning tools, including Git and GitLab.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with and influence cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the Apple CarPlay Communication plugin, iAP2 interface, and EAP (external accessory protocol).
• Experience with Apple CarPlay spatial audio, specifically APAC (Apple Positional Audio Codec).
• Experience with Apple CarPlay certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop in-vehicle user experience applications, focusing on Apple CarPlay integration.
• Create reliable and performant application infrastructure for smartphone integration features.
• Collaborate with the UX/UI Team and Studio Team to deliver cutting-edge user interfaces.
• Test the in-vehicle experience in the lab and in prototype vehicles.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified during testing.
• Help research new technologies and interfaces.
• Collaborate with other divisions to understand and share technology roadmaps, portfolios, and intellectual property.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Potential eligibility for an annual company performance bonus program; payments are discretionary and not guaranteed.
• Equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units, subject to board approval and applicable plan terms.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs; offerings vary by country.

What This Job Offers

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