Sr. Vehicle Systems Engineer, Network Interface

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 In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of our multi-repo software architecture related to vehicle interface architecture. You will be responsible for CI/CD health, leveraging Bazel and GitLab CI to ensure deterministic builds and rapid feedback loops for merge requests related to signal changes. Additionally, you will support the debugging of complex embedded systems, identifying interface issues between various vehicle sub-systems and ECUs, and helping define and integrate how 2nd ECUs interface with RVT vehicle platforms. RESPONSIBILITIES - Build & CI Management: Maintain and optimize CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI and Bazel to support robust builds. - Version Control Mastery: Manage complex code merging activities within a multi-repo structure, including resolving rebase conflicts and fixing build failures quickly to maintain developer velocity. Help refine workflows for network interface versioning and change management, improving traceability and communication across domains. - System Debugging & Analysis: Perform hands-on debugging of complex integrated systems, specifically focusing on the interfaces between software components and vehicle ECUs. Develop and maintain lightweight tools, scripts, and models to analyze network architecture, latency, and bandwidth usage, and to evaluate design trade-offs for software-defined vehicles. Support system analyses and trade studies comparing design options. - Signal & Network Definition: Analyze and implement signal and network definition changes, assessing technical impact on RVT ECUs and coordinating clean updates to shared artifacts. - Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with architecture, software, and validation teams to share integration status, clarify requirements, and drive technical issues to closure. Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver integrated subsystems and features. Work with the Program Teams and domain teams to align feature implementation with testing requirements at a vehicle-level. - Documentation & Integration: Track and document software versions, hardware revisions, and feature sets to ensure traceability across the platform and keep downstream teams aligned. Contribute to the RVT network interface specification and system-wide network definition for 2nd ECUs by synthesizing ECU extracts and signal lists under guidance from senior engineers. Take on integration work that sits between team charters such as: unowned interfaces, missing test coverage, ambiguous expected behavior. Apply lessons learned from integration and testing to architecture and systems requirements for future programs or phases. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications: - Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an engineering discipline / related technical field. - Experience: 3-5 years of experience with embedded development, safety-critical systems, and/or automotive or similarly complex integrated systems; or an advanced degree. Experience in vehicle, embedded systems, or a closely related discipline preferred. - Build Tools & CI: Proven experience with Bazel as a primary build system and GitLab CI for automation. - Version Control: Expert-level proficiency with Git, specifically in multi-repo environments and complex conflict resolution. - Programming & Scripting: Experience building analysis tools, scripts, or prototypes (Python experience required, C/C++ experience valued). - Testing Tools: Hands-on experience using tools such as CANoe, CANalyzer, Wireshark, or equivalent trace and analysis tools. - Requirements Management: Working experience with requirements management tools (Jama, Doors, or equivalent) preferred. Preferred Qualifications - Embedded Systems: Foundational understanding of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, or Ethernet) and how they interface with ECUs, with a strong interest in vehicle networking. Strong understanding of vehicle functions within automotive E/E architecture. Solid understanding of how electrical, mechanical, and software domains interact in a complex integrated product. - Problem Solving: Ability to read and interpret build logs to diagnose failures in large-scale software projects. Self-motivated, with demonstrated ability to take loosely defined problems, structure them, and move them forward with appropriate guidance. Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment with strong written and verbal communication skills. A collaborative team player who builds trust quickly across engineering groups, communicates clearly in writing and in person, explains technical findings to specialists and non-specialists alike, and exercises the judgment to know when to solve an issue directly versus route it to the right owner. 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 https://rvtech.mybenefits.life/. 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 https://app.ashbyhq.com/internal/job-board/b10a9912-eb45-4a84-9a34-84b2a459923a. 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 [email removed]. CANDIDATE DATA PRIVACY Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies” may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal da