Sr. Audio Software Lead, Infotainment Platform

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.

The Infotainment team is at the core, reimagining what mobility can be. They are responsible for building the ecosystem that delivers a beautiful and intuitive in-vehicle experience to our drivers and passengers.

• Lead Development of Audio Software Stack. Oversee and drive the design, implementation, and optimization of the infotainment audio software stack, utilizing Android Automotive and Qualcomm audio solutions.
• Define the overall audio system architecture, working with cross-functional teams to integrate audio functionality into the larger infotainment platform. Ensure that audio processing, playback, and voice interactions are optimized for performance, quality, and reliability.
• Work closely with hardware engineers, system architects, and UX/UI teams to ensure tight integration between the software and the hardware platform. Ensure that the audio stack meets the highest quality standards for both system performance (latency, synchronization) and sound fidelity (clarity, richness).
• Work with quality teams to define and execute comprehensive testing strategies.
• Utilize audio processing technologies to enhance vehicle audio systems, including features such as noise cancellation, spatial audio, and advanced audio routing.
• Leverage Android Automotive’s capabilities to integrate third‑party audio applications and services, ensuring seamless user experiences across different platforms (e.g., Voice Assistant, third‑party apps).
• Identify and implement software optimizations and innovations to improve system performance, power efficiency, and user experience. Lead the resolution of performance bottlenecks and troubleshooting of complex audio‑related issues.
• Lead the effort to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve customer‑reported audio issues. Collaborate with customer support teams and provide technical expertise to analyze and solve real‑world problems. Develop solutions to mitigate recurring audio issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Lead a team of audio/software engineers, providing technical guidance and mentorship to ensure that the team is empowered and productive. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.
• Maintain high‑quality documentation of design, development processes, and key technical decisions. Provide regular updates and technical reports to leadership on progress, risks, and challenges. Stay up‑to‑date with industry trends in automotive infotainment, audio technologies, and Android development. Propose and drive adoption of new tools, techniques, and best practices to keep the team at the cutting edge.

• Strong programming skills with C/C++ (good to have JAVA/Kotlin, Python, Shell script).
• Experience technically leading a team of software engineers.
• Passionate about audio technology and eager to work on innovative projects shaping the in‑car audio experience of Rivian/VW customers.
• Develop software for infotainment audio system.
• Design, implement, and debug audio drivers, firmware, and AOSP components.
• Strong background working on Audio software in Android based system.
• Expert level knowledge in Android Audio stack (Media framework, Audio HAL, ALSA kernel, Audio routing, Audio Focus and mixing, latency, session management, volume control).
• Must have Knowledge of AOSP build system, AOSP workflow and cross platform development of Native Applications.
• Enhance performance, quality, and reliability in audio systems these are the main distinguishing points from the generic posting.