Sr. Embedded Software Engineer, RTOS

Hardware FYI; Palo Alto, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies seek a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop the software stack for PCBAs and ECUs, focusing on vehicle controllers. You will work across the software life cycle from application down to drivers, prototyping for co-designs, and building SDKs in a fast-paced EV environment.

You will collaborate with top talent in embedded hardware and software, conducting validation tests in Python/C and contributing to a robust automotive software platform.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering.
• 0,
• 5+ years of embedded software on microcontrollers in safety-critical domains.
• Solid understanding of RTOS fundamentals and at least one RTOS-based platform.
• Strong programming in C/C++ (bare-metal/RTOS), Python/Rust.
• Hands-on board bring-up and low-level drivers for SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, GPIO, timers, ADC/DAC.
• Proficiency with embedded debugging tools and lab equipment.
• Ability to debug end-to-end across firmware, hardware, and test software.
• Proven track record of cross-functional collaboration and clear technical communication.
• Ability to crisply communicate with peers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software stack for h/w design verification/validation on RTOS-based ECUs.
• Instrumental with board bring-up, verification, and debugging of automotive electronics.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver quality code and solutions.
• Debug across s/w and h/w stack to identify root causes and coordinate with teams.
• Understand build systems, device trees, and kernel driver development.
• Communicate effectively with peers, stakeholders, customers, and technical leaders.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Rust

RTOS basics

Embedded debugging

JTAG/SWD

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Lauterbach

JTAG/SWD

in-circuit debuggers

Oscilloscope

Logic Analyzer

CAN/CAN FD

Ethernet

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

Our growing EV team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop the software stack for PCBAs and ECUs, with a focus on vehicle controllers. This role requires expertise in the rapidly evolving EV market. You will be instrumental in the software life cycle, coding across the entire stack—from the application layer down to low-level device drivers. Responsibilities include creating software prototypes for early hardware/software co-designs, developing validation test cases in Python/C, building SDKs, and more. You will collaborate with top talent in embedded hardware and software development within this dynamic industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop/maintain software stack for h/w design verification/validation for RTOS based automotive ECUs.

• Instrumental with board bring-up, verification, and debugging of automotive electronics.

• Collaborate across multiple disciplines to deliver quality code, debug complex problems, prioritize, and get things done with high efficiency and urgency.

• Ability to debug/triage across the s/w and h/w stack to understand the real issue and provide solutions, working and collaborating with multiple teams if needed.

• Familiarity with build systems, device trees, and kernel driver development is essential.

• Ability to crisply communicate with peers, stakeholders, customers, technical leaders, and OEMs/ODMs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field

• 5+ years of professional experience developing embedded software on microcontrollers (automotive, industrial, or similar safety-/reliability‑critical domains).

• Solid understanding of Free/Safe RTOS fundamentals (tasks, scheduling, interrupts, synchronization, memory management) and experience bringing up or configuring at least one RTOS‑based platform.

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ (bare-metal and RTOS), Python/Rust.

• Hands‑on experience with board bring‑up and low‑level drivers for peripherals such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, GPIO, timers, ADC/DAC, and external memories.

• Proficiency with embedded debugging tools (JTAG/SWD, Lauterbach or similar, in‑circuit debuggers, flashing tools) and lab equipment (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter, power supplies).

• Demonstrated ability to debug complex system issues end‑to‑end, spanning firmware, hardware, and interactions with test or application software.

• Proven track record of cross‑functional collaboration and clear, concise technical communication with architects, design engineers, validation teams, and external vendors.

• Ability to crisply communicate with peers, stakeholders, customers, and technical leaders

  Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with