Sr. Systems Engineer - Climate Control

Rivian VW Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Annual performance bonus

Eligibility for equity

Job summary

Rivian VW Group in Irvine, California is looking for a Systems Engineer focused on automotive climate control systems. The role involves developing software requirements, modeling HVAC systems, and collaborating with engineers and manufacturing teams to implement control systems.

The ideal candidate will have a BS/MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and be proficient in software architecture tools. Knowledge of thermal management and HVAC systems, along with strong analytical skills is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Experience in software architecture and requirement management tools (JAMA, DOORS).
• Foundation in heat transfer and thermodynamics.
• Knowledge of human thermal comfort aspects.

Responsibilities

• Develop requirements and software for automotive climate control systems.
• Model the thermodynamic behavior of automotive HVAC systems.
• Collaborate to define control software requirements.

Skills

Software architecture and requirement management tools

Control systems fundamentals

Analytical skills

Collaboration skills

Education

BS / MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

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

The Thermal Control System Team develops requirements and facilitates algorithm development to optimize thermal management for powertrains, battery packs using heat pumps, and cabin HVAC systems. In this role, you will collaborate closely with designers, engineers, manufacturing teams, firmware developers, and service personnel, leveraging your expertise in climate control to define requirements for embedded software implementation.

Responsibilities

• Act as systems engineer to develop requirements and drive the development of software for automotive climate control system

• Use modeling tools to model the thermodynamic behavior and human comfort aspects of an automotive HVAC system

• Collaborate with hardware engineering to develop framework and requirements for control software development

• Translate high-level feature requests into detailed controller software, sensor, and actuator requirements, driving implementation, testing, and release

• Research and analyze various control algorithms; develop control-oriented simulation models to refine control strategies

• Create and maintain system boundary diagrams, function allocation documents, state machines, sequence diagrams, and failure analysis

Qualifications

• BS / MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

• Experience in software architecture and requirement management tools (JAMA, DOORS, etc.)

• Foundation in heat transfer and thermodynamics, with familiarity in heat exchangers, blowers, fans, air control valves and their subsystem interactions

• Proficient in control systems fundamentals and their application to the thermal/ HVAC domain is required

• Knowledge and experience in automotive or building climate control system and air flow controls development

• Understanding of aspects of human thermal comfort and its application to controlling HVAC systems

• Strong analytical skills with experience handling large datasets in MATLAB/Python; familiarity with C/C++ is a plus

• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally, engage in hands‑on work, and manage open-ended projects in fast‑paced, resource‑constrained environments

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.

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board.

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].