Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Infotainment Connectivity at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies in Palo Alto, CA

Job description

About Us 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 We're looking for a Staff level Embedded Software Engineer to join our team, focusing on the software stack for Design Verification of PCBAs & ECUs (Electronic Component Units) in current and previous-gen Infotainment/Connectivity & Vehicle Access Segments. This role offers a chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in developing embedded h/w + s/w stacks for the rapidly evolving EV industry. Responsibilities • Instrumental with board bring-up, verification, and debugging of automotive electronics. • Familiarity with Linux build systems, device trees, and kernel driver development is essential. • Ability to communicate crisply with peers, stakeholders, customers, technical leaders, and OEMs/ODMs. • Validation & Testing: Develop and execute comprehensive validation strategies, Including: ○ Stress Testing: Design and implement rigorous stress tests for critical ECU subsystems (CPU, GPU, NPU, Multimedia subsystems) to identify performance bottlenecks, thermal limitations, and ensure system stability under extreme loads. ○ Performance Benchmarking: Analyze and optimize ECU system performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing efficient solutions. • Collaboration: Work closely with hardware engineers, Validation & Test Automation teams, and other software architects/engineers to ensure seamless ECU integration and delivery of high-quality products. • Troubleshooting & Debugging: Identify and resolve complex software and hardware issues at the ECU level, utilizing various debugging tools and techniques, with an ability to work across organizations/teams. • Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for software designs, APIs, and test procedures. Qualifications • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field. • 8+ years' experience in Embedded Software Development. • Platforms: Strong hands-on experience with high-performance SoCs such as Snapdragon, NVIDIA Orin, MediaTek, or similar platforms. Experience with automotive-grade SoCs is a significant plus. • Operating Systems & Virtualization: Proficient in Embedded Linux, QNX, DriveOS, and experience with hypervisor-based systems (e.g., Type-1 hypervisors, Gunyah, ACRN etc.) • Experience with Automotive Infotainment/Connectivity platforms preferably working with subsystems like Camera/Display, Memory/Storage Subsystem, GNSS, UWB, RF, A2B, BT Audio • Good coding skills on C/C++. • Good understanding of Linux/Android, kernel configuration, device driver interfaces, debugging tools, etc. • Strong BSP and kernel bring-up expertise (Linux, U-Boot or equivalent bootloader) • Excellent debugging skills with an ability to work across organizations/teams. • Experience using Lauterbach, Oscilloscope, JTAG, Flashing Tools, etc. • Good understanding of interface/communication protocol stacks (SPI, I2C, Ethernet, PCIe, CAN), and board bring-up. • Experience with scripting languages (Python, shell). Preferred Skills: • Knowledge of OS internals (process scheduler, memory management, concurrency, synchronization, storage). • Experience with ARM cores and architecture. • Experience with embedded toolchains (compilers, linkers, linker scripts). • Experience with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Ethernet). • Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262). • Expe