Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Infotainment Connectivity

Palo Alto, California EV Full-time $186k to $256k Posted Oct 13, 2026
Apply on Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (opens in a new tab) Sourced via jobs.ashbyhq.com · Posted 2026-10-13

About this role

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is hiring a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Infotainment Connectivity, full-time, on-site in Palo Alto, California, in the EV sector.

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

We're looking for a Staff level Embedded Software Engineer to join our team, focusing on the software stack for Design Verification of PCBAs & ECUs (Electronic Component Units) in current and previous-gen Infotainment/Connectivity & Vehicle Access Segments. This role offers a chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in developing embedded h/w + s/w stacks for the rapidly evolving EV industry.

Responsibilities

  • Instrumental with board bring-up, verification, and debugging of automotive electronics.

  • Familiarity with Linux build systems, device trees, and kernel driver development is essential.

  • Ability to communicate crisply with peers, stakeholders, customers, technical leaders, and OEMs/ODMs.

  • Validation & Testing: Develop and execute comprehensive validation strategies, Including: ○ Stress Testing: Design and implement rigorous stress tests for critical ECU subsystems (CPU, GPU, NPU, Multimedia subsystems) to identify performance bottlenecks, thermal limitations, and ensure system stability under extreme loads. ○ Performance Benchmarking: Analyze and optimize ECU system performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing efficient solutions.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with hardware engineers, Validation & Test Automation teams, and other software architects/engineers to ensure seamless ECU integration and delivery of high-quality products.

  • Troubleshooting & Debugging: Identify and resolve complex software and hardware issues at the ECU level, utilizing various debugging tools and techniques, with an ability to work across organizations/teams.

  • Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for software designs, APIs, and test procedures.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field.

  • 8+ years' experience in Embedded Software Development.

  • Platforms: Strong hands-on experience with high-performance SoCs such as Snapdragon, NVIDIA Orin, MediaTek, or similar platforms. Experience with automotive-grade SoCs is a significant plus.

  • Operating Systems & Virtualization: Proficient in Embedded Linux, QNX, DriveOS, and experience with hypervisor-based systems (e.g., Type-1 hypervisors, Gunyah, ACRN etc.)

  • Experience with Automotive Infotainment/Connectivity platforms preferably working with subsystems like Camera/Display, Memory/Storage Subsystem, GNSS, UWB, RF, A2B, BT Audio

  • Good coding skills on C/C++.

  • Good understanding of Linux/Android, kernel configuration, device driver interfaces, debugging tools, etc.

  • Strong BSP and kernel bring-up expertise (Linux, U-Boot or equivalent bootloader)

  • Excellent debugging skills with an ability to work across organizations/teams.

  • Experience using Lauterbach, Oscilloscope, JTAG, Flashing Tools, etc.

  • Good understanding of interface/communication protocol stacks (SPI, I2C, Ethernet, PCIe, CAN), and board bring-up.

  • Experience with scripting languages (Python, shell). Preferred Skills:

  • Knowledge of OS internals (process scheduler, memory management, concurrency, synchronization, storage).

  • Experience with ARM cores and architecture.

  • Experience with embedded toolchains (compilers, linkers, linker scripts).

  • Experience with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Ethernet).

  • Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262).

  • Experience with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for embedded systems.

  • ISO 26262 functional safety awareness

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 .

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site ( https://rivianvw.tech/#careers ). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board .

Equal Opportunity

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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

<

Description from Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

Apply on Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies Applications go directly to Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies. Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

Company in the mobility sector tracked nightly on the Mobility Jobs board.

Ready to apply?
Apply on Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (opens in a new tab) You'll be redirected to jobs.ashbyhq.com to complete your application.

Not the one? Get new EV roles by email, weekday mornings, only when something new lands.

Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Larry Sherwood Jr.

Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.

SONY HONDA MOBILITYFISKERSHRM-CP1,000+ HIRES

Currently open to senior TA leadership roles in the United States. larrysherwoodjr.com · Resume (PDF)

Read Larry's guides →
Job no longer open? Let me know

Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr. on the free Mobility Jobs board. Pulled nightly from company applicant tracking systems. Apply directly on the source link above to be considered.