Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Autonomy

Segment (Twilio); Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 206,000 - 258,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Staff Software Engineer specializing in safety-critical self‑driving embedded software to design, develop, and deploy software that underpins essential self‑driving features. You will work on real‑time operating systems and embedded C across a distributed system, contributing to robust, reliable autonomous capabilities.

Your role spans architecture analysis, development, code reviews, and deployment within a fast-paced CI/CD environment, collaborating with hardware, software,

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience developing production-grade software for safety-critical applications in automotive, aerospace, robotics, or related fields.
• Strong embedded C programming skills.
• Experience GCC/Clang compilers + linkers.
• Experience with Bazel or other large-project build systems.
• Strong triage and problem solving skills.
• Experience with resource-constrained architectures.
• Experience with real-time applications and kernels.

Responsibilities

• Develop software on real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr) on distributed, heterogeneous hardware.
• Create tools to support development, observability, debugging, and testing.
• Set up build systems and tooling to accelerate team development.
• Assist in software design, code reviews, and technical decision making.
• Analyze requirements, architecture, design, development, QA and deployment across the software lifecycle.
• Identify gaps in development processes to improve quality and pace.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to support vehicle and ADAS features.

Skills

Embedded C programming

Real-time / safety-critical software

Multithreaded software debugging

CI/CD in fast-paced environments

Scripting (Bash, Python)

Education

B.S. / M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

GCC/Clang toolchain

Bazel

JTAG

Logic analyzer

Job description

About Rivian

Rivian is 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

As a Staff Software Engineer specializing in safety‑critical self‑driving embedded software, you will play a vital role in the design, development, and deployment of software that underpins essential self‑driving features. Your responsibilities encompass a range of technical tasks, from software development to architecture analysis, all contributing to the successful implementation of robust and reliable self‑driving solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop software working on real‑time operating systems for resource efficient systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.) on a distributed and heterogeneous system (multiple processors, multi‑core, multi‑threaded) including in‑house developed silicon
• Develop necessary tools to support development, building, observability, debugging, and testing
• Create early project definitions, set up build system and compiler tooling, solving complex problems and develop infrastructure along the way to allow for more efficient development from the team
• Assist in software‑design and code reviews while assisting other developers on technical issues, design choices, and decision making
• Analysis of requirements, architecture, design, development, code review, quality assurance, and deployment of entire software engineering life cycle
• Identify gaps in development process and technical implementations to address and improve the quality and pace of team deliverables
• Coordinate with application development and cross‑functional teams to enable and support vehicle and ADAS features

Qualifications

• B.S. / M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience developing production‑grade software for safety and function critical applications in automotive, aerospace, robotics, or related fields
• Strong embedded C programming skills
• Experience GCC/Clang compilers + linkers
• Experience with Bazel or other large‑project build systems
• Strong triage and problem solving skills
• Experience with resource‑constrained architectures
• Experience with real‑time applications and kernels
• Experience writing, profiling, and debugging multi‑threaded software
• Demonstrated success working in fast‑paced, continuous integration / continuous development environment
• Familiarity with at least one scripting language (for example Bash, Lua, Python)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Ethernet + TCP/IP networking
• Experience with CPU performance measurement and profiling
• JTAG, logic analyzer debugging
• Timesync
• ARM Cortex R (Armv8‑R), Infineon TriCore, similar
• Functional Safety experience (ISO‑26262, IEC‑62304, DO‑178C, etc.)

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range for California Based Applicants: $206,000.00 - $258,000.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full‑time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.

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].