Sr. Systems Engineer Autonomy

Rivian
Palo Alto, US
On-site

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

The Autonomy Software Systems team's deliverables include owning a feature from the definition stage to the development and production stage and designing the system from system architecture to subsystem requirements.

In this role, you will lead the systems engineering, architecture design, and function development of various Automated driving features. Your work will have a direct impact on the daily experience and safety of our customers, which is critical to the mission at Rivian.

Responsibilities

  • Define features’ operational design domain, functional, performance and safety requirements for the feature based on the vision for the feature and desired user experience.
  • Architect solutions to meet features’ functional and performance requirements
  • Define interfaces and identify cross functional dependencies.
  • Collaborate within Autonomy development teams such as pose, perception, planning, motion control, software infrastructure for end-to-end feature development, integration, and testing.
  • Define and develop metrics for feature evaluation and collaborate with logging, simulation, data analytics and cloud teams to deploy the required infrastructure/methods.
  • Drive cross functional collaboration between chassis, vehicle dynamics, UI/UX and vehicle SW teams to satisfy feature and system requirements.
  • Work across development, triage, integration, and test teams to identify, root cause, and resolve or mitigate feature issues. Lead process improvements to achieve First-Time-Right design.
  • Coordinate with program teams on feasibility, development status, risks, limitations to effectively set up and meet program schedules.
  • Participate and represent the autonomy team in the architecture and design reviews, feasibility studies, timeline reviews, FMEAs and impact analysis hosted by various stakeholders.
  • Execute cross functional discussions by fostering consensus, even during challenging technical discussions.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Robotics or a related field.
  • 4+ years (Bachelor’s)/2+ years (Master’s) professional experience in systems engineering or software development, building autonomous systems or similarly complex robotics systems.
  • Track record of deploying software in production environments, carrying one or more of listed responsibilities or developing software for autonomy stack.
  • Working knowledge of Automotive standards, regulations, and test protocols (ECE, USNCAP, IIHS, EUNCAP, UNECE) related to automated driving.
  • Strong problem solving skills in a highly cross functional and fast paced environment.
  • Moderate programming skills (C/C++, Python/SQL) for rapid prototyping, data analysis, and software development and integration.
  • Excellent team player with strong communication and presentation skills.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $162,800-$203,500 for San Francisco Bay Area based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

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, gende

Skills & Requirements

Technical Skills

systems engineeringsoftware developmentautonomous systemsautomotive standardsprogrammingC/C++PythonSQLproblem solvingcommunicationpresentation skillsautomotiveautonomous driving

Salary

$162 - $800

year

Employment Type

FULL TIME

Level

senior

Posted

3/26/2026

Apply Now

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