System Integration Engineer, Vehicle Systems

Rivian VW Group; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian VW Group seeks a Software Integration Engineer in Palo Alto, California. In this role, you will integrate and validate software systems from early prototypes to production launch, ensuring system stability and seamless feature integration.

The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science and 1-3 years of experience in the automotive field. Responsibilities include performing software integration tests and troubleshooting complex integration issues.

This is a full-time position with competitive total rewards including base salary, bonuses, and equity eligibility.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of relevant experience in automotive or complex sub-systems.
• Strong understanding of system dependencies and communications protocols.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on software integration and validation on prototype vehicles.
• Execute system-level integration test plans and automate testing.
• Triage, debug, and analyze complex integration issues across ECUs.

Skills

Automotive electrical systems knowledge

Debugging skills with Ethernet and CAN

Understanding of CI/CD models

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

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

As a Software Integration Engineer, you will be a critical link in our vehicle development lifecycle, responsible for integrating and validating software systems from early prototypes to customer launch. You will bridge the gap between initial mule builds and full-scale production, ensuring seamless feature integration and system stability. This role requires a deep understanding of the entire vehicle software stack, from low-level drivers to high-level applications. The ideal candidate will possess strong system intuition, enabling them to make critical real‑time prioritization decisions that accelerate development, enhance testing capabilities, and mitigate program risks. You will act as a versatile problem‑solver, comfortable diving into unfamiliar technical domains and translating component‑level issues into system‑wide impacts.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on software integration and validation on prototype vehicles, lab cars, and other system assets through all build phases, from early mules to production launch.

• Execute system‑level integration test plans, developing scripts and tools to automate testing and data analysis.

• Triage, debug, and perform root‑cause analysis on complex, system‑level integration issues that span multiple ECUs and software domains.

• Implement and validate enabling features, such as OTA updates and vehicle sleep functions, to accelerate development and testing capabilities across the fleet.

• Provide technical analysis to support the prioritization of low‑level foundational work versus high‑level feature development based on program needs.

• Dive deep into unfamiliar ECU domains and software stacks to resolve integration blockers and ensure system stability.

• Analyze and report on component‑level issues, clearly extrapolating the potential system‑level risks to engineering leadership.

• Collaborate directly with architecture, platform, and application developers to define and resolve software dependencies.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 1‑3 years of relevant experience in automotive, complex sub‑systems, or similar consumer electronics devices.

• Strong understanding of dependencies between various electrical & mechanical systems, with a working knowledge of automotive electrical systems and communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).

• Fluency with debugging communications issues involving Ethernet and CAN using industry‑standard tools.

• Understanding of continuous integration, continuous deployment (CI/CD) software development models.

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced development environment.

• Team player with excellent communication skills.

• Passion to take software from development to a verified product.

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.

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.