Sr. Staff Engineer, Perception Mapping

Rivian•Palo Alto, CA

About The Position

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

Requirements

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
Extensive experience developing the perception systems used for map generation and maintenance, specifically utilizing Machine Learning, Computer Vision, SLAM, and state estimation.
Proven track record in software engineering and systems design for building, maintaining, and distributing map data at scale.
Deep understanding of various map representations—including high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) frameworks—and their specific utility within autonomous vehicle stacks.
Broad comprehension of full-stack perception systems, including modern development tools, testing frameworks, and validation processes.
Demonstrated ability to isolate and root-cause complex engineering issues across the software stack and implement reliable, real-time solutions.
Strong capability to drive technical progress across complex systems spanning multiple domains, components, and stakeholders.
Excellent cross-functional coordination, problem-solving, and communication skills within a fast-paced engineering environment.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the broader autonomy organization to develop and refine the mapping strategy for consumer and robotaxi platforms.
Design, build, evaluate, deploy, and maintain the core perception components critical to the mapping infrastructure.
Ensure robust integration and deterministic performance of mapping software within real-time, safety-critical systems.
Recruit, mentor, and manage individual contributors to support the team's expanding scope (optional based on candidate experience).