Autonomy Sensing Systems Engineer

Watershed Ventures; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Sr. Design Engineer in Sensing Systems to lead architecture, development, deployment, and optimization of advanced sensing for autonomous vehicles.

You will integrate ADAS sensors into prototype and production platforms, own the sensor interfaces and firmware bring‑up, and validate performance under real‑world conditions. This hands‑on role demands hardware systems engineering, sensor calibration, and cross‑domain debugging with perception, controls, and embedded software

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Expert proficiency with Python, strong C++ skills for performance‑critical, production code.
• Understanding of signal interfaces and protocols: CAN, Ethernet, SPI, MIPI, and synchronization methods (PTP, PPS).
• Familiarity with test equipment and vehicle data loggers.
• Hands‑on experience with sensor fusion and sensor calibration for multi‑modal fusion.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to hardware integration and validation of all ADAS sensors (camera, radar, LiDAR) into prototype and production vehicle platforms.
• Own the sensor SW interface definition, including ethernet / MIPI / CAN frame formats and PTP timesync.
• Own the sensor FW development and sensor bring‑up, including functional validation and failure analysis.
• Work closely with perception, controls, and embedded software teams to ensure sensor data integrity and system alignment.
• Develop and execute system‑level test plans, including lab validation, vehicle‑level testing, and environmental stress screening.

Skills

Python

C++

System optimization

CAN

Ethernet

SPI

MIPI

PTP/PPS timing

Sensor fusion

Cross-domain collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Power analyzers

Vehicle data loggers

Network analyzers

Job description

About Rivian

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.

Role Summary

As a Sr. Design Engineer within Rivian’s Sensing Systems Team, you will be a core contributor to the architecture, development, deployment, and optimization of advanced sensing systems driving safety‑critical, customer‑facing features for Rivian’s autonomous vehicles. This role is deeply technical and hands‑on, requiring a strong background in hardware systems engineering, sensor bring‑up, vehicle integration, and cross‑domain debugging. You will be responsible for ensuring sensors function reliably and meet system‑level performance targets under real‑world operating conditions.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to hardware integration and validation of all ADAS sensors (camera, radar, LiDAR) into prototype and production vehicle platforms.
• Own the sensor SW interface definition, including ethernet / MIPI / CAN frame formats and PTP timesync.
• Own the sensor FW development and sensor bring‑up, including functional validation and failure analysis.
• Work closely with perception, controls, and embedded software teams to ensure sensor data integrity and system alignment.
• Develop and execute system‑level test plans, including lab validation, vehicle‑level testing, and environmental stress screening (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC).
• Implement and refine sensor calibration and alignment processes, including static and dynamic calibration for multi‑modal fusion readiness.
• Drive issue triage and resolution across HW, FW, and mechanical domains with a rigorous, data‑driven approach.
• Support sensor supplier selection, evaluation, and bring‑up, including root cause analysis on field failures or yield issues.
• Maintain ownership of integration documentation, test artifacts, and interface control specifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Expert proficiency with Python, strong C++ skills for performance‑critical, production code.
• System and algorithmic optimization, robust software engineering best practices, and empirical performance analysis.
• Understanding of signal interfaces and protocols: CAN, Ethernet, SPI, MIPI, and synchronization methods (PTP, PPS).
• Familiarity with test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers), as well as vehicle data loggers and network analyzers.
• Familiarity with sensor fusion algorithms and the impact of physical alignment, timing, and data integrity.
• Working knowledge of sensor modeling and simulation tools.
• Highly effective communicator and team collaborator; demonstrated ability to partner across technical specialties and organizational boundaries to deliver end‑to‑end solutions.
• Preferred: Hands‑on experience integrating camera, radar, and LiDAR sensors in automotive or robotics platforms.
• Familiarity with one or more deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Experience with vehicle integration and on‑road validation, including structured debug of real‑world sensor performance issues.

Pay Disclosure

Pay Range: The salary range for this role is $146,000 - $183,000 annually for Bay Area based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards. Full‑time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part‑time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full‑time and part‑time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short‑term disability insurance, and long‑term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law. Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [e-mail].