Audio System Engineer

Position: Staff Audio System Engineer
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

We are seeking a versatile Senior Audio System Engineer to lead the technical integration of our next-generation vehicle audio systems, with an edge towards physical acoustics, acoustical design and integration. At Rivian, you will be the primary authority on the electro-acoustic interface. You will own the performance of the "physical sound" chain-from the specification of 3rd-party transducers and microphones to the optimization of cabin acoustics.

Coming from previous automotive experience or high-end audio background, you possess the technical rigor to manage global suppliers and the "systems thinking" required to integrate high-fidelity playback and high-clarity voice capture into a complex mobile environment.

Responsibilities

• Acoustic SME (Output): Serve as the lead authority on transducer physics and integration. Define specifications for 3rd-party speakers and enclosures, ensuring they are perfectly matched to our in-house designed amplifiers.
• Microphone System Integration (Input): Own the end-to-end microphone hardware integration strategy. This includes mic selection, placement optimization, and mechanical isolation to minimize structural vibration and wind noise.
• System Architecture & Signal Flow: Partner with the Audio Hardware Engineer (Electronics) to define the end-to-end signal chain. You will focus on the acoustic requirements of both the playback (speakers) and capture (mic arrays) systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Design, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Thermal teams to optimize speaker and microphone packaging. You will be responsible for ensuring that "hidden" microphones maintain high speech-intelligibility indexes (STI) without compromising cabin aesthetics.
• Audio DSP: Familiarity with audio DSP systems such as Audio Weaver, MiniDSP, or other similar systems. You will collaborate with Audio DSP Engineers to support tuning activities such as optimization of limiters, power handling, and crossovers
• Verification & Validation: Lead acoustic testing and validation using tools such as Klippel, Soundcheck, Audio Precision, HATS (Head and Torso Simulators), and others. Troubleshoot component and system-level issues, and work with suppliers on production end-of-line test requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience: 7+ years in audio system engineering. Proven experience managing 3rd-party transducer and microphone programs.
• Technical Breadth: Expert knowledge of acoustic transducers and microphone technology. Familiarity with the mechanical challenges of sealing, porting, and isolating microphones in an automotive environment.
• Pedigree: A background in high-end audio or specialized consultancies where you managed the holistic end-to-end audio performance of a product. Bonus if you come from an automotive audio background.
• Tool Must Have's: High proficiency in Klippel, Audio Precision and acoustic characterization software such as Sound Check, Clio, SMAART, etc. Experience with Matlab, Python, and acoustic simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Vituix Cad, LSPCad) are a strong pluses.
• The Rivian Fit: You are a "builder" who can navigate the ambiguity of new platform development while holding external partners to the highest standards of acoustic and manufacturing excellence. You thrive in a fast-paced, exciting and dynamic environment

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $167,000 - $209,000 for Palo Alto, CA 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.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.

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…