Staff Sensor Design Engineer

Sensor Design Engineer

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.

In this role, the sensor design engineer will own sensor system design, bring-up, and validation for the current and next generation of Rivian electric vehicles. This would be a highly visible role working cross-functionally to influence design, contribute to solving sensor system integration challenges, and experience the complete prototyping to manufacturing product development cycle. You will be responsible for ensuring sensors function reliably and meet system-level performance targets under real-world operating conditions.

• Lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of sensing systems and components.
• Hands-on design and validation of prototype hardware and maturing the design by characterizing and debugging test vehicles to optimize your design
• Evaluate and implement state-of-the-art signal processing techniques
• Coordinate with external partners and suppliers to leverage cutting-edge technologies.
• Support sensor selection, evaluation, and bring-up, including root cause analysis on field failures or yield issues.
• Drive technical decisions and guide the team in the right direction.
• Think holistically. Understand the impact of your plan or decision to program and customers. Deep dive into technical issues to drive data-driven decisions.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the position

- BS + 10 years or MS + 8 years or PhD + 6 years or equivalent experience in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field.

- Experience with automotive sensor mounting, packaging, sealing, and thermal constraints.

- Proficiency with test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers), as well as vehicle data loggers and network analyzers.

- Experience with vehicle integration and on-road validation, including debug of real-world sensor performance issues.

- Demonstrated strong creative thinking and problem-solving toolbox

- Ability to collaborate and drive direction through multidisciplinary discussions

- Understanding of automotive requirements

- Have a fine eye for detail, yet the ability to 'zoom out' and see the big picture

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 an 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 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

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, 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.

Rivian 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 candi