Embedded Systems Software Engineering Intern at UIUC Research Park

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.

Candidates should be available from January 11, 2027 to August 13, 2027.

As a Software Engineering Intern, you will support the Infotainment Platform Enablement team focused on next-generation infotainment platforms. The team enables early hardware bring-up develops manufacturing validation software, and builds system-level workload emulation and diagnostics frameworks to de-risk high compute automotive platforms well ahead of production. This role offers hands‑on exposure to embedded systems, hardware-software integration, vehicle workload emulation, and large-scale diagnostics telemetry systems running on cutting-edge compute platforms.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of a Software Application Framework for infotainment and validation systems

• Support hardware bring-up and validation of Electrical Control Units (ECUs)

• Develop test utilities and manufacturing software in C/C++ and Python

• Assist in emulating vehicle workloads to validate system behavior and power/performance characteristics

• Debug hardware and software integration issues across subsystems (camera, display, audio, connectivity, sensors)

• Collect, analyze, and visualize diagnostics telemetry data to support root cause analysis

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and deliver scalable solutions

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a full‑time degree program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and/or Python

• Understanding of embedded systems fundamentals

• Must be located in Champaign, IL and able to work out of our office in the Research Park.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to embedded platform architecture (GPU, PCIe, camera pipelines, high-speed interfaces)

• Prior experience with high-compute platforms such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, or equivalent So Cs

• Coursework or internship experience involving:

  • Camera / Display / Audio subsystems

  • WiFi / Bluetooth / networking interfaces

  • Linux-based embedded systems

• Experience with telemetry, data processing, or analytics tools (e.g., Databricks or equivalent data platforms) is a plus

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…