Sr. Software Systems Engineer, Autonomy

Rivian; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 162,800 - 203,500; Full time

Job summary

Rivian seeks a data-driven engineer to analyze real-world driving data at scale, evaluating Autonomy features and driving improvements aligned with Rivian's mission. You will develop KPIs, measure feature quality, and collaborate with Autonomy, Simulation, Data Analytics, and Cloud teams to deliver actionable insights.

The role focuses on Active Safety, perception, pose, path planning, and controls, requiring strong Python/SQL skills and familiarity with AV simulation frameworks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Robotics or related field.
• 4+ years (Bachelor’s)/2+ years (Master’s) professional experience in AV or robotics systems.
• Strong Python and SQL skills; familiarity with C/C++ preferred.
• Experience with large-scale datasets and AV simulation frameworks.
• Knowledge of Active Safety and Automated Driving features (Emergency Braking, Lane Centering, Hands-free Driving).
• Understanding of Autonomy domains: Perception, Pose, Path Planning, Controls.
• Strong problem-solving skills in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and deploy KPIs and metrics to evaluate quality and performance of Active Safety features.
• Develop scalable frameworks for measuring feature performance based on ODD, functional, performance, and safety requirements.
• Optimize methodologies and integrate them with production workflows.
• Develop signatures to identify events of interest leveraging autonomy logging pipeline.
• Collaborate with Autonomy teams (pose, perception, planning, motion) for end-to-end metric design.
• Work with Simulation Infrastructure for development, integration, and testing of metrics.
• Collaborate with Data Analytics and Cloud teams to visualize metrics in dashboards.

Skills

Python

SQL

C/C++

Large-scale datasets

Active Safety

Perception

Pose

Path Planning

Controls

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's/Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechatronics, CS, Robotics

Tools

Simulation frameworks

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

In this role, you will help analyze real‑world driving data at scale to evaluate Rivian’s Autonomy features. At Rivian, your contributions will directly enhance the daily experience and safety of our customers - by continuously measuring the quality and performance of features, driving crucial improvements aligned with Rivian's mission.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and deploy KPIs and metrics to evaluate the quality and performance of Active Safety features built on Rivian’s Autonomy Stack
• Develop scalable frameworks for measuring feature performance based on the operational design domain, functional, performance, and safety requirements
• Optimize existing methodologies and ensure they integrate seamlessly with production workflows
• Develop signatures that identify and trigger events of interest leveraging Rivian’s autonomy logging pipeline
• Collaborate within Autonomy development teams such as pose, perception, planning, motion control for end‑to‑end metric design and development
• Work closely with the Simulation Infrastructure team for development, integration, and testing of metrics
• Collaborate with the Data Analytics and Cloud teams to visualize metrics and insights in dashboards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Robotics or a related field.
• 4+ years (Bachelor’s)/2+ years (Master’s) professional experience in systems engineering or software development, building Autonomous Vehicle(AV) systems or similarly complex Robotics systems.
• Excellent data analysis and programming skills (Python, SQL). Ability to understand and navigate software code (C/C++) is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability working with large-scale datasets and AV simulation frameworks.
• Understanding and knowledge of industry standard Active Safety and Automated Driving features such as Emergency Braking, Lane Centering, Hands‑free Driving etc.
• Solid understanding and knowledge of Autonomy domains such as Perception, Pose, Path Planning and Controls.
• Strong problem‑solving skills in a highly cross‑functional and fast paced environment.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $162,800-$203,500 for San Francisco Bay Area 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 for full‑time and part‑time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short‑term disability insurance, and long‑term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full‑time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part‑time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. 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].