Manager - Data & Machine Learning, OTA

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.

The Over-the-Air (OTA) Update team enables delivery of new software to the engineering, manufacturing, and customer fleets and therefore is central to Rivian Volkswagen Technologies’ ability to deliver a continuously improving, world class experience to our customers.

We are looking for an experienced and technically adept Engineering Manager to lead a team of highly skilled data, analytics, and machine learning engineers focused on OTA log and application data. In this role, you will be responsible for guiding the development of robust, scalable streaming and analytics pipelines, ensuring data security and compliance, and fostering a culture of technical excellence.

This manager will play a critical role in shaping our data infrastructure and supporting our machine learning initiatives. Responsibilities

• Technical Strategy & Road mapping: Define and execute the technical roadmap for the OTA team’s data efforts, in alignment with Rivian Volkswagen Technologies data platform standards.
• Project Management: Oversee and provide technical guidance on complex data projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to architectural standards.
• Architectural Oversight: Provide architectural guidance and ensure the design and implementation of highly efficient and reliable data products.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and grow a team of data professionals, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing environment. Provide regular feedback, conduct performance reviews, and support career development.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Ensure the adoption and consistent use of IaC principles with Terraform for managing data pipeline and event‑based infrastructure.
• MLOps Integration: Drive the integration of MLOps best practices within the data team, ensuring seamless deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of machine learning models.
• Data Security & Compliance: Partner with security teams to design and implement robust permissions schemes and structures, ensuring data security and compliance with Rivian Volkswagen Technologies standards.
• Collaboration: Work cross‑functionally with data platform, vehicle software, operations, and application teams to understand data requirements and deliver impactful solutions.
• Performance & Optimization: Guide the team in proactively identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks in data pipelines and infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience producing and maintaining data products
• 2+ years of experience in an engineering management role, leading data or ML‑focused teams
• Strong proficiency in Python and extensive experience with PySpark or Scala for large‑scale data processing.
• Hands‑on experience developing and maintaining streaming services, particularly with Kinesis.
• Hands‑on experience working with DBT and Databricks
• Deep understanding of AWS services related to data and infrastructure (e.g., S3, Lambda, Glue, Redshift).
• Expertise in Terraform for infrastructure as code (IaC).
• Strong SQL skills and experience with relational databases.
• Familiarity with data integration tools like Fivetran.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines.
• Solid understanding of data governance principles.
• Proven ability to lead highly technical projects and provide effective technical guidance.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Java or Go.
• Experience working with firmware updates or IoT data.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Palo Alto Based Applicants
: $167,400 - $209,300 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Salary…