Staff Software Engineer, Vehicle Access Cloud

Rivian VW Group; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Equity eligibility

Local market benefits

Job summary

Rivian VW Group is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to design and maintain cloud backend systems for Vehicle Access Software. This role involves leading architectural decisions, mentoring juniors, and collaborating with teams to deliver high-performance solutions.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science with 8+ years of software engineering experience, proficiency in Go, Python, or Java, and hands-on experience with cloud platforms and Kubernetes. The position offers competitive rewards in a diverse work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of software engineering experience in the automotive or related industry.
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with CCC Digital Key infrastructure and cybersecurity best practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and deployment of backend components for vehicle access software.
• Develop APIs for secure data exchange.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize processes for functionality.

Skills

Proficiency in Go

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in Java

Strong DevOps skills

Excellent problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field

Tools

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)

Kubernetes

Cloud HSM environments

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 Staff Software Engineer will play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining cloud backend systems that support Vehicle Access Software across the entire vehicle lineup. This role is responsible for ensuring the secure, efficient, and reliable integration of user identity, access mechanisms, and vehicle systems. As a staff engineer, you will lead architectural decisions, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver scalable, high‑performance solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and deployment of backend components for vehicle access software across various vehicle models.
• Develop APIs for secure data exchange between various backend microservices, mobile devices and embedded systems.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, performance, and security of services.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including product management, cloud engineers, embedded software developers, mobile engineers, and cybersecurity experts to integrate various connected services.
• Partner with mobile device OEMs to integrate the software with their platforms.
• Provide technical guidance, mentor junior engineers, and conduct code reviews.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize processes to ensure seamless functionality in real‑world conditions.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including architectural designs, API specifications, system integration guides, and automated tests.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of software engineering experience, with a focus on building high‑performance microservices in the automotive or related industry.
• Proficiency in Go, Python, or Java.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and Kubernetes, as well as Cloud HSM environments.
• Strong DevOps skills for deploying scalable services on AWS or other leading cloud platforms.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating across engineering and business teams.
• Familiarity with CCC Digital Key infrastructure, Identity Management Systems, and cybersecurity best practices (preferred).

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.

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].