Sr. Embedded Software 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

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will occupy a critical, high-impact role at the

intersection of early-stage hardware innovation and mass production. You will be

responsible for bringing new custom electronic boards to life, writing the low-level software

that validates prototype designs, and developing the Device Under Test (DUT) software that

ensures flawless functional test and calibration on the factory floor.

This role requires a rare blend of deep low-level firmware expertise, agility in prototype

environments, and a rigorous engineering mindset for factory test automation.

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and optimize low-level peripheral drivers (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, CAN-FD,PCIe, Ethernet) for next-generation custom controller, sensor, and actuator electronics.
• Lead the initial software bring-up of first-article prototype boards. Write rapid, robustprototype software to validate hardware functionality, stress-test ICs, and provide feedback to the hardware design team.
• Design and maintain the embedded software architecture for Devices Under Test (DUT) deployed in high-volume manufacturing environments. Develop test firmware thatmaximizes test coverage and minimizes cycle time on the line.
• Partner closely with Electrical Engineering, Production SW, Controls SW, Systems Engineering, UX, Manufacturing Test, and Reliability teams to define hardware-softwareinterfaces and test strategies.
• Diagnose and resolve complex, intermittent hardware/software interaction.
• Simplify complex functions and features to their core components using first principlesapproach to drive simple and structured requirements and production friendly solutionworking with broader team
• 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

Qualifications

• BS + 5 years or MS + 3 years or equivalent experience in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven track record of developing firmware in C or C++ and working with Real-Time Operating Systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, QNX, or similar).
• Strong ability to read electrical schematics, understand component datasheets, and utilizestandard lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
• Deep understanding of ARM Cortex-M/A microcontrollers, RISC-V, or similar architectures,including memory maps, interrupt handling, and DMA.
• Hands-on experience with embedded protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN/CAN-FD, and Ethernet.
• Experience writing test scripts or test executives in Python to interface with factory DUT firmware.
• Prior experience deploying embedded code into high-volume electronic manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Git, CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems, and agile development methodologies.
• Demonstrated strong creative thinking and problem-solving toolbox
• Ability to collaborate and drive direction through multidisciplinary discussions
• 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 $146,900 - $183,600 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 effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of…