Staff Software Engineer, Vehicle Access Cloud

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$186,000 - $232,500

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. The Staff Software Engineer will play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining cloud backend systems that support Vehicle Access Software across the entire vehicle lineup. This role is responsible for ensuring the secure, efficient, and reliable integration of user identity, access mechanisms, and vehicle systems. As a staff engineer, you will lead architectural decisions, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, high-performance solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of software engineering experience, with a focus on building high-performance microservices in the automotive or related industry.
Proficiency in Go, Python, or Java.
Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and Kubernetes, as well as Cloud HSM environments.
Strong DevOps skills for deploying scalable services on AWS or other leading cloud platforms.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
Effective communication skills for collaborating across engineering and business teams.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with CCC Digital Key infrastructure, Identity Management Systems, and cybersecurity best practices

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and deployment of backend components for vehicle access software across various vehicle models.
Develop APIs for secure data exchange between various backend micro services, mobile devices and embedded systems.
Ensure the scalability, reliability, performance, and security of services.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product management, cloud engineers, embedded software developers, mobile engineers, and cybersecurity experts—to integrate various connected services.
Partner with mobile device OEMs to integrate the software with their platforms.
Provide technical guidance, mentor junior engineers, and conduct code reviews.
Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize processes to ensure seamless functionality in real-world conditions.
Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including architectural designs, API specifications, system integration guides, and automated tests.