Software Engineering Intern, Vehicle Controls - Fall 2026

Rivian VW Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Equity options

Market-tailored benefits

Job summary

Rivian VW Group is seeking a Software Engineering Intern for the Vehicle Control Systems Organization. You will be responsible for implementing and validating embedded software for critical vehicle functions, using C/C++ and Python.

The internship offers valuable experience working in a dynamic environment focused on vehicle system reliability and performance.

Full-time candidates may access a base salary, performance bonuses, and various equity options.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a relevant engineering or computer science program.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with communication protocols and microcontrollers is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement and validate embedded software for vehicle systems.
• Develop features for power and current distribution systems.
• Contribute to automated testing frameworks.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to define feature requirements.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Python proficiency

Embedded system design

Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Communication protocols (CAN, LIN, UDS, DoIP)

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

Microcontroller programming

PID control

Job description

Role Summary

As a Software Engineering Intern, you will be an integral part of the Vehicle Control Systems Organization. During your internship, you will be responsible for implementing and validating low-level embedded software for critical vehicle functions such as Energy Storage & Distribution (ES&D), power modes, or foundational motion control features. You will work in a dynamic environment, applying your expertise in real-time programming and system fundamentals to ensure the safety and reliability of our electronic control units (ECUs).

Program Details:

• Timeline: Full‑time, September 21 – December 18, 2026
• Location: Palo Alto, CA or Irvine, CA

By submitting a single application to this posting, you will be considered for all of the following internship tracks:

• Software Engineering Intern – Embedded Software
• Software Engineering Intern – Controls Test & Automation (including Lighting)
• Software Engineering Intern – Thermal Controls
• Software Engineering Intern – Systems Engineering
• Software Engineering Intern – Charging
• Technical Program Management Intern

Responsibilities

• Implement and validate embedded software for vehicle systems, such as battery and energy management systems.
• Develop features for low and high voltage systems, including power and current distribution, DC/DC controls, or fault detection and recovery.
• Design scalable software architectures with a focus on embedded system reliability and performance.
• Contribute to the automated testing framework by writing automated tests for software components, utilizing Unit, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.
• Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of highly complex systems spanning multiple domains.
• Work with systems engineers to define feature requirements and collaborate with test engineers to test, validate, and debug algorithms before deployment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master’s program in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field at an accredited US university with intent to return to school following internship.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and/or Python.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Actively pursuing a degree and experience working in a Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) environment.
• Experience working with CAN, LIN, UDS, DoIP communication protocols.
• Experience with Microcontroller and PID (proportional–integral–derivative controller).
• Experience working with advanced 32‑bit multi‑core microcontrollers.

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.