Early Career - Development Engineer II
Rivian · Palo Alto, California · Posted 2026-09-03
Job description
About RivianRivian 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 SummaryAs a Vehicle Development Engineer II, you will own and execute varied projects supporting both ends of the System Design / System Testing layer of the V model for electric vehicle product development. ResponsibilitiesEvaluate prototype vehicle functionality on both public roads and closed courses.Transform high-level observations into defined problem statements and execute subsequent investigations.Document self-identified software and hardware defects thoroughly and advocate for fast containment and subsequent resolution.Deep dive vehicle-level issues in early-development vehicles with unclear system level source.Execute Mule vehicle commissioning and functional checkouts.Execute and document production candidate vehicle software testing to ensure functionality before releaseDeploy leading edge domain software to the internal fleet for cross-functional validation.Support remote site testing in hot environments, cold environments, off-road environments, high altitudes, durability, or corrosion, emphasizing supporting vehicle uptime.Facilitate knowledge transfer to shop technicians and manufacturing teams.Travel up to 10%, occasionally with limited notice. QualificationsStrong grasp of engineering fundamentals and first principles in a variety of disciplines.Understanding of ADAS system architecture and components.Comprehension of diagnostic and transducer theory of operation.Experience with CAN and automotive ETH analysis tools such as Vector CANalyzer, Vehicle Spy, PCAN-Explorer, etc.Ability to read wiring diagrams, and general schematics, and interact with CAD software.Familiarity with Systems Integration: Electric vehicle fundamentals, ECU network architecture, and various device network protocols.Experience driving prototype vehiclesExperience with any of the following is a bonus: Atlassian (JAMA/JIRA/Confluence), GIT, Python/C (or some programming experience), Unix/Linux, ECU Calibration (Vector CANape, INCA)Bachelor’s Degree in engineering: Mechanical, Aerospace, Software, Electrical, Mechatronics, or similar field1-2+ years of automotive industry-specific or relevant engineering experience Pay DisclosureThe salary range for this role is $93,000 - $116,300 for Palo Alto, California 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 employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com. You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). There is no fixed deadline for this application; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled or the opening is no longer needed. Equal OpportunityRivian 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 [email protected] Data Privacy and TechnologyRivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference c