Software Engineering Intern - Embedded Platforms (Fall 2026)

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies offers an internship focusing on the foundational software stack powering vehicle electronics. You will design, implement, and debug core software on ECUs and embedded Linux/RTOS environments, contributing to verification and bring-up for next-gen vehicle platforms.

The program runs September 21 – December 18, with locations in Palo Alto, CA or Irvine, CA. Applicant should be enrolled in a US university and skilled in C++, RTOS, and embedded Linux.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program at an accredited US university.
• Proficiency in C++.
• Actively pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with intent to return to school after internship.
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Shell, Go).
• Experience in Embedded Software Development.
• Understanding of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Familiarity with embedded Linux environments.
• Familiarity with kernel-level development or automotive communication protocols.
• Experience with interface protocols (CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C).
• Experience in automotive systems and applications.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy embedded software on Linux/Android and/or RTOS for electronic hardware.
• Contribute to the implementation and optimization of HALs for vehicle hardware interaction.
• Design and build complex systems spanning multiple domains to enhance vehicle functionality and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Charging, Body Controls, EE/Hardware teams) on software initiatives.

Skills

C++

Python

Shell scripting

RTOS fundamentals

Embedded Linux

CAN/Ethernet/SPI/I2C

Kernel-level development

Automotive protocols

Education

Bachelor's or Master's student (US university)

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 interns passionate about the foundational stack that powers vehicle electronics. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and debugging core software running on ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and embedded Linux/RTOS environments. You will directly contribute to the software stack for verification and board bring-up efforts for next-generation vehicle platforms.

Program Details

• Timeline: Full-time, September 21 – December 18

• Location: Palo Alto, CA or Irvine, CA

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy embedded software on Linux/Android and/or Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) for electronic hardware.

• Contribute to the implementation and optimization of Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs) for vehicle hardware interaction.

• Design and build highly complex systems spanning multiple domains that bring improved functionality and better performance to how users interact with our vehicles.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (Charging, Body Controls, EE/Hardware teams) on software initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program at an accredited US university.

• Proficiency in C++.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Actively pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field with the intent to return to school following completion of internship.

• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Shell, Go)

• Experience in Embedded Software Development

• Understanding of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) fundamentals.

• Familiarity with embedded Linux environments.

• Familiarity with kernel-level development or automotive communication protocols.

• Experience with interface protocols (CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C)

• Experience in automotive systems and applications.

Total Rewards

Full-time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.

In addition to base salary, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies offers benefits tailored to the local market. For more information on the benefits available for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site.

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 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.