Role Overview

Join Rivian as a Principal Recruiter, Autonomy in Palo Alto, California, and become the strategic force behind building the world's most elite self-driving technology team. Rivian, the pioneering EV manufacturer redefining adventure with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles, seeks a heavy-hitting individual contributor to architect talent strategies for its cutting-edge Autonomy division. This high-impact role demands deep technical fluency in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Robotics, combined with a consultant's mindset to navigate the fiercest talent wars in tech history.

Rivian's Autonomy team is pushing boundaries in self-driving innovation, and you'll partner directly with leadership to land top 1% talent from academia, research labs, and competitors. Forget rote recruiting—this is about raising the bar, innovating processes, and crafting narratives that attract the best. With a mission to keep the world adventurous forever, Rivian offers a dynamic environment where your expertise will shape the future of autonomous vehicles.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

• Strategic Advisory: Serve as a talent consultant to Autonomy leaders, delivering real-time market intelligence, compensation benchmarking, and competitive landscape analysis to inform hiring decisions.
• Full-Cycle Execution: Own end-to-end recruitment for elite roles including Senior, Staff, Principal, and Distinguished Engineers in AI, ML, Computer Vision, Robotics, and related fields.
• Process Innovation: Spearhead initiatives to eradicate process debt, deploying AI-driven workflows to optimize technical assessments, candidate engagement, and hiring velocity.
• Sourcing Excellence: Construct and nurture long-term pipelines of passive top-tier talent from leading research labs, top universities, and industry giants like Waymo or Tesla.
• Mentorship: Coach the broader Talent Acquisition team on advanced technical sourcing techniques, compelling storytelling, and closing high-stakes offers.
• Talent Strategy Design: Collaborate with VP/Directors to architect hiring plans that elevate talent density and align with Rivian's aggressive Autonomy roadmap.
• Data-Driven Optimization: Leverage recruiting analytics to pinpoint funnel bottlenecks, recommend trade-offs, and refine interview processes for maximum efficiency.
• Stakeholder Influence: Drive enhancements in hiring standards, interview loop design, calibration tools, and comprehensive market maps for emerging tech domains.
• Market Mastery: Stay ahead of AI research trends by tracking arXiv, conferences, and blogs to source cutting-edge expertise in perception, planning, and controls.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as Rivian's Principal Recruiter, Autonomy, you need proven expertise in deep-tech recruiting. Required qualifications include:

• 10+ years full-cycle technical recruiting, with 5+ years focused on AI/ML/Autonomy/Robotics.
• Domain fluency in frameworks like PyTorch/TensorFlow, hardware such as GPUs/TPUs, and role nuances across ML Infra, Data Platforms, Perception/Planning/Controls.
• Track record of closing Senior+ engineers in hyper-competitive markets.
• Experience shaping strategies with executive stakeholders.
• Strong data skills for funnel analysis and process iteration.
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous settings with top-tier communication.

Preferred: AV/Robotics experience, high-growth tech background, process-building from scratch, and genuine passion for AI/autonomy advances.

Salary & Benefits

Earn $218,800 - $312,500 USD annually based on experience for this Palo Alto role. Rivian sweetens the deal with industry-leading perks:

• Equity grants for long-term wealth building.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage.
• 401(k) with generous matching.
• Unlimited PTO and flexible scheduling.
• Rivian vehicle purchase discounts.
• Professional growth stipends.
• On-site gyms, wellness programs.
• Parental leave and family benefits.
• Relocation support.
• Inclusive culture with disability accommodations.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building EVs—we're accelerating the shift to sustainable adventure. Our diverse team shares a passion for the outdoors and innovation, tackling unknown challenges in EV and Autonomy. Palo Alto's hub positions you at the epicenter of Silicon Valley talent and tech breakthroughs. As an equal opportunity employer, Rivian fosters curiosity, courage, and impact. Join us to protect the planet while architecting the future of self-driving tech.

With rapid growth, your contributions will be visible and rewarded. Experience frontier tech, influence strategy, and work with world-class minds. Rivian's commitment to accessibility ensures everyone can thrive.

How to Apply

Ready to land dream talent for Rivian's Autonomy revolution? Apply now via our careers portal. Submit your resume highlighting AI/ML recruiting wins, and prepare to discuss your technical fluency and strategic impact. We review applications continuously—don't wait! Email candidateaccommodations@rivian.com for support. Equal opportunity awaits.