Sr. Software Engineer, Middleware, Autonomy Careers at Rivian - Palo Alto, California

Role Overview

Join Rivian's mission to keep the world adventurous forever with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles. As a Sr. Software Engineer, Middleware, Autonomy in Palo Alto, California, you'll develop safety-critical self-driving middleware that powers next-generation autonomous features. Rivian challenges what's possible, reframing problems and operating in unknown territories. This role demands strong C++ skills, experience with real-time OS like QNX and FreeRTOS, and expertise in heterogeneous systems with hardware accelerators like GPUs and CUDA.

Rivian's autonomy team builds robust software for distributed systems across x86_64 and ARM architectures. You'll work on hardware abstraction layers, contribute to tooling for code generation and fault injection, and collaborate cross-functionally to deploy production-grade solutions. If you have automotive or robotics experience and passion for outdoor protection, this Rivian autonomy engineering job is your chance to accelerate the future of self-driving EVs.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

In this high-impact role, you'll drive Rivian's self-driving technology forward:

• Design, develop, and deploy software within hardware abstraction middleware to enable safety-critical self-driving features.
• Develop software working on Linux as well as real-time operating systems (QNX, FreeRTOS, etc.).
• Build software for distributed and heterogeneous systems with multiple processors and HW engines.
• Create necessary tools to support development, debugging, and testing workflows.
• Assist in software-design and code reviews, guiding other developers on technical decisions.
• Analyze full software lifecycle: requirements, architecture, design, development, code review, QA, and deployment.
• Coordinate with teams for seamless middleware integration in perception applications using OpenCV and OpenVX.
• Contribute to middleware abstraction layers and hardware accelerator libraries (CUDA, TensorRT, OpenCL).
• Drive cross-functional efforts in a fast-paced environment, taking ideas from R&D to product.

Qualifications & Requirements

Rivian seeks top talent with proven expertise in autonomy middleware:

• B.S. / M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years developing production-grade software from requirements gathering.
• Strong C++ programming skills for safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with scripting languages like Bash, Lua, or Python.
• Experience in automotive or robotics software development.
• Work on x86_64 and ARM architectures with heterogeneous systems.
• Hands-on with hardware accelerators (GPU, ISP, Encoder) and libraries (CUDA, TensorRT, OpenCL).
• Middleware and abstraction layer experience, plus OpenCV/OpenVX in perception.
• Software tooling contributions (code auto-generation, test automation, fault injection).

Be a good team player with excellent communication for fast-paced collaboration and full SDLC experience.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range for California: $162,000 - $203,000 USD yearly (based on experience, location, and factors permitted by law). Rivian offers unbeatable perks:

• Day-one medical/Rx, dental, vision insurance for employees, spouses/partners, children up to 26.
• Competitive compensation in Palo Alto's tech hub.
• Equal opportunity employer with ADA accommodations.
• Innovative culture with diverse, outdoor-loving team.
• Professional growth in cutting-edge EV autonomy.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building EVs; we're protecting the planet for adventurers. Work on self-driving middleware that redefines automotive software. Our Palo Alto team thrives on challenging norms, with diverse backgrounds united by innovation. Enjoy a fast-paced environment deploying R&D to production, collaborating on autonomy stacks with real-world impact. Rivian complies with all fair employment laws, ensuring accessibility. Join us to build the future of sustainable adventure.

With robust benefits and competitive pay, this Sr. Software Engineer role offers stability and excitement in EV autonomy careers.

How to Apply

Ready to power Rivian's self-driving revolution? Apply now for the Sr. Software Engineer, Middleware, Autonomy position in Palo Alto. Submit your resume highlighting C++, RTOS, and middleware experience. Rivian reviews applications continuously—don't miss out on this high-salary tech job. Email candidateaccommodations@rivian.com for disabilities support. Accelerate your career with Rivian today!