Sr. Software Engineer - Infotainment Software (Apple CarPlay)

Rivian VW Group; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies seeks software engineers to advance mission-critical in-vehicle applications as part of a joint venture. You will build best-in-class in-vehicle apps with CarPlay integration, collaborate with UX/UI teams, and test across lab and prototype vehicles to ensure performance and reliability.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, code quality, and engagement with advanced connected-car technologies in a dynamic automotive tech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of software development lifecycle experience, from requirements gathering through maintenance.
• 5+ years of experience with Java/Kotlin.
• 3–5 years of experience with modern object-oriented languages: C++.
• Proficiency with Android/Jetpack APIs, Android NDK and JNI.
• Knowledge of Android design principles and app interfaces.
• Knowledge of Android performance and testing framework.
• Familiarity with embedded Android framework services.
• Excellent coding and proofreading skills.
• Proficient with Git, GitLab and similar tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop in-vehicle software applications with a focus on Apple CarPlay integration.
• Create reliable and performant application infrastructure for smartphone integration features.
• Collaborate with UX/UI and Studio teams to deliver cutting-edge UI.
• Test in-vehicle experiences in lab and prototype vehicles.
• Troubleshoot issues found during testing and drive improvements.
• Support research into new technologies and interfaces.
• Coordinate with other divisions on technology roadmaps and IP.

Skills

Soft skills

Coding proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Testing and debugging

UI/UX collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Software Eng

Tools

Android Jetpack APIs/NDK/JNI

Android design principles

Android performance testing

Embedded Android framework

Git/GitLab

C++ / Java / Kotlin

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

As we develop a fully integrated experience in our future VW-group vehicle lines, we need Software Engineers to help raise the bar for mission critical in-vehicle applications. Our diverse team shares an innate curiosity for the world, a willingness to see things differently, and a passion for getting things done. We never stand still in our pursuit of progress, and we’re looking for the best and brightest talent to accelerate our vision toward future mobility.

Responsibilities

• Develop best-in-class in applications for in vehicle user experience, with a focus on Apple CarPlay integration




• Create reliable and performant application infrastructure for smart phone integration features




• Collaborate with the UX/UI Team and Studio Team to realize beautiful, cutting-edge UI




• Test the in-vehicle experience in the lab and in prototype vehicles




• Troubleshoot and resolve issues found during testing




• Help drive research into new technologies and interfaces




• Collaborate with other divisions in understanding and sharing technology roadmaps, portfolios, and intellectual property

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or related field




• 5+ years of experience with software development life cycle experience, from requirements gathering through to implementation and maintenance




• 5+ years of experience with Java/Kotlin




• 3-5 years of experience with modern object-oriented languages: C++




• Proficiency in using Android and Android Jetpack APIs, including knowledge of Android NDK and JNI




• Knowledge of Android design principles and application interface guidelines




• Knowledge of Android’s performance and testing framework




• Familiarity with embedded Android framework services




• Excellent coding and proofreading skills




• Proficient in code versioning tools including Git, Gitlab and others




• Excellent inter-personal skills with the ability to collaboratively work with and influence cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the Apple CarPlay Communication plugin, iAP2 interface, EAP (external accessory protocol)




• Experience with Apple CarPlay spatial audio, specifically APAC (Apple Positional Audio Codec)




• Experience with Apple CarPlay certification

Total Rewards

We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.

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.

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.