Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Rivian and VW Group Technology•Irvine, CA

About The Position

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary Our growing EV team is seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to develop the software stack for PCBAs and ECUs, with a focus on vehicle controllers. This role requires expertise in the rapidly evolving EV market. You will be instrumental in the software life cycle, coding across the entire stack—from the application layer down to low-level device drivers. Responsibilities include creating software prototypes for early hardware/software co-designs, developing validation test cases in Python/C, building SDKs, and more. You will collaborate with top talent in embedded hardware and software development within this dynamic industry.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field
8+ years of professional experience developing embedded software on microcontrollers (automotive, industrial, or similar safety-/reliability‑critical domains).
1+ years of experience as a technical lead, leading software development teams, is a big plus.
Strong programming skills in C for embedded systems; working knowledge of Python for tooling, scripting, or test automation is a plus.
Solid understanding of RTOS fundamentals (tasks, scheduling, interrupts, synchronization, memory management) and experience bringing up or configuring at least one RTOS‑based platform.
Hands-on experience with board bring-up and low-level drivers for peripherals such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, GPIO, timers, ADC/DAC, and external memories.
Proficiency with embedded debugging tools (JTAG/SWD, Lauterbach or similar, in‑circuit debuggers, flashing tools) and lab equipment (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter, power supplies).
Demonstrated ability to debug complex system issues end‑to-end, spanning firmware, hardware, and interactions with test or application software.
Proven track record of cross-functional collaboration and clear, concise technical communication with architects, design engineers, validation teams, and external vendors.
Ability to crisply communicate with peers, stakeholders, customers, and technical leaders

Nice To Haves

Team leading skills are a big plus.
Experience with automotive ECUs is a big plus.
Background in platform/BSP development for MCU‑based ECUs, including clocking, BSP, and device configuration, Hardware abstraction layers.
Experience with hardware components like sensors, gate drivers etc.

Responsibilities

Architect, design, develop and deploy embedded software components on RTOS for board bring-up, verification, and validation of automotive electronics.
Mentor and guide a team of Software Engineers to design, develop, and deploy embedded software on RTOS-based systems for board bring-up, verification, and debugging of automotive electronics.
Work with h/w and s/w architects to collaborate on next-gen platform architecture with various SoCs and the software stack, share plans/roadmaps, and align deliverables.
Crisply communicate with peers, stakeholders, customers, technical leaders, and OEMs/ODMs. Collaborate across multiple disciplines to deliver quality code, help resolve complex problems, prioritize, and get things done with high efficiency and urgency.
Oversee troubleshooting across the s/w and h/w stack to rootcause the issue and provide quick resolution collaborating with multiple teams if needed.
Design, drivers, middleware, applications and other components for enabling different electronic components.
Debug in real time across software and hardware to understand the real issues and provide solutions, work and collaborate with multiple teams if needed.

Benefits

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental, and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26.
Coverage is adequate on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.
Total compensation packages for this position include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.
Benefit offerings include Flex Time Off, retirement savings plans as well as medical, vision and dental coverage.

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