Staff Data Platform Engineer

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies seeks a Data Platform Engineer to architect and scale our data processing and analytics infrastructure, with a focus on multi-region Databricks orchestration. You will collaborate across teams to deliver robust, scalable solutions for software-defined vehicles.

You will design data systems with emphasis on scalability, reliability, and performance, while staying current with cloud and DevOps practices to support global operations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of building and maintaining large-scale data processing systems.
• Solid understanding of the Databricks platform and core concepts such as Delta, Spark, Unity Catalog, data governance, and workspace administration.
• History of using Terraform to manage large scale systems via Infrastructure as Code, and utilizing other technologies to build and maintain CI/CD pipelines.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex problems into manageable components.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams around the globe.
• Experience working with cloud-based technologies (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure)

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain our data platform infrastructure using Terraform and other Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles.
• Manage and optimize our Databricks platform, ensuring it remains secure, performant, and cost-effective at a global scale.
• Lead the technical design of data systems, considering scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Communicate effectively with data producers, data consumers, and business leaders to gather requirements and guide the data platform.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues that may arise with the Databricks platform.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in big data technologies, cloud computing, and DevOps practices.

Skills

Databricks Platform Expertise

Terraform & DevOps

Cloud Computing

PySpark

Spark

Unity Catalog

Data Governance

Workspace Administration

Delta Lake

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Tools

Databricks

Terraform

Spark

Unity Catalog

AWS

GCP

Azure

PySpark

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

RV Tech is seeking a strong Data Platform Engineer to architect and scale the infrastructure powering the next generation of software-defined electric vehicles. In this role, you will be responsible for the design and optimization of our core data processing and analytics infrastructure, with a specific emphasis on multi-region Databricks orchestration. You will partner with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, industry-leading solutions that move the automotive world forward. We value proactive problem-solvers who thrive in autonomous roles and are passionate about building performant, scalable systems.

Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Management: Design, deploy, and maintain our data platform infrastructure using Terraform and other Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles.
• Databricks Platform Expertise: Manage and optimize our Databricks platform, ensuring it remains secure, performant, and cost-effective at a global scale.
• System Design & Architecture: Lead the technical design of data systems, considering factors like scalability, reliability, and performance. You'll be expected to make informed decisions that align with our long-term architectural vision.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Communicate effectively with data producers, data consumers, and business leaders to gather requirements, provide technical guidance, and ensure the data platform meets their technical and legal needs.
• Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution: Proactively identify and resolve issues that may arise with the Databricks platform.
• Staying Ahead of the Curve: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in big data technologies, cloud computing, and DevOps practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• Experience: 3+ years of hands‑on experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of building and maintaining large‑scale data processing systems.
• Databricks Platform Expertise: Solid understanding of the Databricks platform and core concepts such as Delta, Spark, Unity Catalog, data governance, and workspace administration.
• Terraform and DevOps Background: History of using Terraform to manage large scale systems via Infrastructure as Code, and utilizing other technologies to build and maintain CI/CD pipelines.
• Problem‑Solving Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to break down complex problems into manageable components.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams around the globe.
• Cloud Computing: Experience working with cloud‑based technologies (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure)

Preferred Qualifications

• PySpark Expertise: Background designing scalable data pipelines using the Spark ecosystem (e.g., Spark SQL, Spark Streaming).
• AWS proficiency: Familiarity with core services such as IAM permissions, VPC networking, EC2 compute, and S3 storage.

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.