Software Engineering Intern - Design Automation (Spring 2027 Co-Op)

Rivian; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Medical insurance

Job summary

Rivian is offering an internship focused on accelerating EV hardware development through automated Cadence workflows. You will develop scripts in SKILL, Python and TCL to streamline schematic capture and routing, while integrating ECAD/MCAD data and updating component libraries.

Eligible students must be enrolled full-time, pursuing CS, EE or mechatronics degrees, with strong programming fundamentals and a passion for software automation in hardware design.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an accredited university.
• Proficient in Python, TCL or C++, with ability to learn Cadence SKILL.
• Familiar with schematic capture and PCB layout using Cadence tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop custom automation scripts in SKILL, Python, and TCL for Cadence.
• Integrate ECAD/MCAD workflows to synchronize packaging constraints.
• Enhance component libraries by auto-generating footprints and symbols.
• Implement advanced DRCs for high-voltage/high-speed designs.
• Document tools and train hardware engineers on new workflows.

Skills

Python

TCL

C++

Education

Bachelor or Master student

Tools

Cadence SKILL

Cadence OrCAD

Allegro

Job description

About Rivian

Rivianis 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

Rivian internships are experiencesoptimized for student candidates. To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited program during the internship term with an expected graduation date between December 2027 and 2029. Rivian's Internship Program requires active student enrollment. Information regarding your expected degree completion date is collected solely to verify eligibility and determine your availability for future full-time opportunities. Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and does not use graduation dates to determine the age of applicants or as a basis for discriminatory hiring decisions. If you are not pursuing a degree, please see our full time positions on our Rivian careers site. Note that if your university has specific requirements for internship programs, it is your responsibility to fulfill those requirements. Our Spring Co-Op program runs from Jan - Aug, 2027. In order to be considered for this role, you must be available to work full time (40 hours per week), onsite, for the entire duration. If you are unable to work during the spring semester, please apply to our Summer Internship Program. No Visa Sponsorship.

Accelerates EV Hardware Development: Developing custom automation scripts for Cadence tools eliminates repetitive manual tasks in schematic entry and routing, significantly speeding up the design cycles for Rivian's complex electronic control units.

Reduces Costly Manufacturing Errors: Automated design rule checks and standardized component generation minimize human error in critical PCB layouts, preventing expensive hardware respins for high-stakes systems like battery management and infotainment.

Optimizes Senior Engineering Bandwidth: Dedicating a Coop to build these specialized workflow tools frees up Rivian's senior hardware engineers to focus on core vehicle innovation and architecture rather than daily CAD tool management.

Responsibilities

• Develop Custom Automation Scripts: Write and deploy SKILL, Python, and TCL scripts within Cadence Allegro and OrCAD to eliminate manual data entry during schematic capture and board routing.
• Integrate ECAD/MCAD Workflows: Create automated bridges between Cadence tools and mechanical CAD software to ensure accurate, real-time synchronization of complex EV packaging constraints and board outlines.
• Enhance Component Library Management: Build tools to automatically generate, verify, and update PCB footprint and schematic symbol libraries by syncing directly with Rivian’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) database.
• Implement Advanced Rule Checking: Program custom Design Rule Checks (DRCs) tailored to Rivian's high-voltage and high-speed signal integrity requirements, preventing manufacturing errors before tape-out.
• Deploy and Document Toolchains: Package the developed automation tools into user-friendly interfaces, write technical documentation, and train the hardware engineering team to adopt the new workflows.

Qualifications

• Must be currently pursuing a bachelors or masters degree at an accredited university.
• Actively pursuing a degree or one closely related in computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or similar.
• Possesses strong programming fundamentals with proficiency in Python, TCL, or C++, alongside an aptitude for learning proprietary EDA languages like Cadence SKILL.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of schematic capture and PCB layout processes, ideally with academic or project experience using Cadence OrCAD, Allegro, or similar ECAD platforms.
• Understands core hardware design principles, including component lifecycle management, basic signal integrity, and standard manufacturing constraints.
• Exhibits strong problem-solving skills with a track record of personal projects or coursework focused on software automation, API integration, or streamlining repetitive technical workflows.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $33.00-51.00/HR for Palo Alto 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.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and medical insurance benefits. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

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].

Candidate Data Privacy and Technology

Rivian 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 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) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

Rivian 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 affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, 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.

How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.

AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.