Embedded Software Engineer (Lighting)

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity (RSUs)

Annual bonus target 5%

Job summary

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join our software development team. This role focuses on the development and integration of lighting systems for Rivian and VWG brand vehicle platforms.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in electrical or software engineering, with proficiency in C/C++, Python, and automotive control. Willingness to travel up to 20% and collaboration across NA and EU are expected.

Qualifications

• BS in electrical engineering, computer science, automotive systems, or related field.
• At least 1 year of experience with automotive control systems or embedded software engineering.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python.
• Experience with student competitions like BAJA, FSAE etc is a huge plus.
• Familiarity with model‑based design using Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop software in C for exterior and interior lighting systems for Rivian and VWG brand vehicles.
• Implement graphics and lighting animations for events and releases.
• Implement safety and regulatory requirements around lighting across North America and Europe.
• Create test cases and scripts for Unit test, SIL, and HIL testing.
• Involve with desktop tooling (full stack/ JavaScript/ Rust) to visualize lighting animations.
• Own lighting features end to end from design to development and testing.
• Design AI skills and automation to streamline development workflows.
• Collaborate to enhance simulation models for analysis and troubleshooting.
• Conduct design reviews and assist in integrating features into the controller code base.
• Test the developed software on the vehicle and assist in calibration.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Automotive control

Model-based design

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, automotive systems, or related fields

Tools

Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow

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 are seeking a dedicated and innovative Embedded Software Engineer to join our software development team. This role is integral to the development and integration of lighting systems for Rivian and VWG brand vehicle platforms. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical or software.

Responsibilities

• Develop software in C for exterior and interior lighting systems for Rivian and VWG brand vehicles (Like Audi, Porsche etc)
• Be responsible to implement creative features involving graphics and lighting animations for various special events and releases
• Be responsible for implementing (coding) safety and regulatory requirements around lighting across North America and Europe.
• Create test cases and test scripts for evaluating related features in Unit test, Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) test, and Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) test environments.
• Be involved with desktop based tooling (full stack/ javascript/ RUST skillset) to enable visualizing lighting animations to aid software development.
• Own lighting features end to end and participate all the way from design to development and testing of said features.
• Implement AI skills and automation to simplify and automate development workflows to aid feature deliveries.
• Collaborate with other software engineers to enhance or create a simulation model/platform for analyzing, optimizing, and troubleshooting various aspects of the vehicle.
• Conduct design reviews for new content and address software issues in vehicles/prototypes. Aid in integrating features into the controller code base.
• Test the developed software on the vehicle and assist in feature calibration.
• Design diagnostic interfaces for the controller.
• Contribute to designing an exceptional engineering initiative aimed at elevating electric vehicles to new levels of sophistication.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, computer science, automotive systems, or related fields
• At least 1 year of experience with automotive control systems or embedded software engineering
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python
• Experience with student competitions like BAJA, FSAE etc is a huge plus.
• Familiarity with model‑based design using Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams
• Demonstrated creativity in design work along with manual fabrication skills and excellent communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% as required.

Total Rewards

• $107,000 – $147,050
• Offers Equity
• Offers Bonus
• This role has annual bonus target of 5%

This role has annual bonus target of 5%

Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.

In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full‑time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs .

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site ( https://rivianvw.tech/#careers ). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board .

Equal Opportunity

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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].

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies” may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.

If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment‑related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment.

Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.

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Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.

Compensation

• $107,000 – $147,050
• Offers Equity
• Offers Bonus
• This role has annual bonus target of 5%

This role has annual bonus target of 5%