Staff Systems Engineer, Battery Thermal Control

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative joint venture is seeking a skilled Staff Systems Engineer specializing in Battery Thermal Control. This role involves defining and optimizing thermal control strategies for high-voltage battery systems, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards. The ideal candidate will design advanced algorithms, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the development of scalable software architectures. Join a forward-thinking company committed to revolutionizing electric vehicle technology and making a significant impact in the automotive industry.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Employment

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in thermal systems control or battery thermal management.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and control system development.
• Hands-on experience with embedded control systems and real-time software development.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop system requirements for HV battery thermal control functions.
• Design advanced thermal control algorithms and create detailed design documents.
• Collaborate with teams to develop dynamic thermal models and simulation tools.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

Thermal Systems Knowledge

Embedded Control Systems

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork Skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Controls Engineering

Tools

dSPACE

Vector CANape

Vector CANalyzer

Job description

Staff Systems Engineer, Battery Thermal Control

Join to apply for the Staff Systems Engineer, Battery Thermal Control role at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies.

About Us
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for the future of automotive technology. We focus on operating systems, zonal controllers, cloud connectivity, and more, aiming to set standards for software-defined electric vehicles worldwide.

Role Summary
We seek a highly skilled Battery Thermal Controls Systems Engineer to define, develop, and optimize thermal control strategies for high-voltage (HV) battery systems. The ideal candidate will design advanced thermal estimation and control algorithms, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with safety, durability, and performance standards.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop system requirements for HV battery thermal control functions, considering vehicle attributes, safety, and durability.
• Design advanced thermal control algorithms and create detailed design documents, including system boundary diagrams, flow charts, state machines, and sequence diagrams.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to develop dynamic thermal models and simulation tools for algorithm design and optimization.
• Partner with the software team to develop scalable software architectures and component designs for battery thermal control functions.
• Ensure seamless integration of battery thermal controls with the vehicle’s thermal management system.
• Design and execute test plans, including unit testing, SIL, HIL, pack, and vehicle testing, in collaboration with validation teams.
• Verify software implementation meets requirements through rigorous testing and issue resolution.
• Analyze fleet data to evaluate algorithm performance and identify areas for improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in thermal systems control or battery thermal management.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and control system development.
• Strong knowledge of thermal systems and control theory.
• Hands-on experience with embedded control systems and real-time software development.
• Experience with battery cooling/heating technologies (liquid cooling, air cooling, phase change materials).
• Familiarity with HiL/SIL environments and tools like dSPACE, Vector CANape/CANalyzer.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced control strategies, such as machine learning or MPC.
• Knowledge of EV electrical/electronic hardware and software architectures, including HV and LV systems.
• Experience with functional safety (ISO 26262) in thermal control applications.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary ranges vary based on location and experience, with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage starting from day one. Rivian and VW Group are committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. For accommodations, contact [e-mail].