Role Overview

Join Rivian as a Sr./Staff Software Engineer, Calibration & Pose, Autonomy in Palo Alto, California, and become a key member of our cutting-edge Perception team. Rivian is revolutionizing the automotive industry with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles designed for the outdoors. Our Autonomy team develops advanced machine learning algorithms that power safety-critical self-driving features, ensuring our vehicles deliver unmatched performance and reliability.

In this high-impact role, you'll take full ownership of projects from concept to deployment, creating production-ready perception software that runs onboard our vehicles and in the cloud. If you have expertise in C++, Python, robotics, and autonomous vehicle perception, this is your chance to shape the future of mobility at one of the most innovative EV manufacturers in the world.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a Sr./Staff Software Engineer on the Perception team, you'll drive innovation in calibration and pose estimation for our autonomy stack. Here are your core responsibilities:

• Own complete project lifecycles: From engineering design and development through deployment, testing, and ongoing maintenance of perception features
• Develop production software: Build robust, real-time code that powers Rivian vehicles and cloud-based processing pipelines
• Create perception capabilities: Leverage machine learning, state estimation, and robotics to build cutting-edge calibration and pose algorithms
• Build evaluation tools: Design processes and metrics to rigorously measure and improve perception system performance
• Collaborate cross-functionally: Work with Autonomy, Vehicle Engineering, and Product teams to deliver seamless customer experiences
• Optimize for safety: Ensure all perception outputs meet the highest standards for safety-critical autonomous driving
• Iterate with fleet data: Use real-world driving data to continuously improve calibration accuracy and pose estimation reliability
• Mentor junior engineers: Share expertise in perception systems and best practices for AV software development
• Stay ahead of industry trends: Research and integrate state-of-the-art techniques in computer vision and sensor fusion

Qualifications & Requirements

Rivian seeks top talent with proven experience in autonomous vehicle perception. Required qualifications include:

• Advanced degree: BS, MS or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Programming expertise: 3+ years professional experience with C++ and Python in real-time perception contexts
• Domain experience: 3+ years in robotics, autonomous vehicles, or safety-critical real-time systems
• Algorithm development: Hands-on experience building perception algorithms using ML, state estimation, and/or robotics
• Production deployment: Track record shipping perception software to production vehicles or robotics platforms
• Strong communication: Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, product, and leadership teams

Preferred experience: Familiarity with ROS, Kalman filters, LiDAR/camera/radar sensor fusion, deep learning frameworks (PyTorch/TensorFlow), and simulation environments.

Salary & Benefits

Rivian offers competitive compensation for this senior role:

• Salary Range: $179,000 - $223,800 annually for California-based applicants (actual offer based on experience and qualifications)
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Rx, dental, and vision insurance starting day one
• Family benefits: Coverage extends to spouse/domestic partner and children up to age 26
• Premium coverage: Rivian pays most insurance premiums
• Equity compensation: Stock options/RSUs as part of total compensation package
• 401(k) matching: Generous retirement savings plan
• Unlimited PTO: Flexible time off policy
• Adventure perks: Employee discounts on Rivian vehicles and outdoor gear

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles—we're creating a movement to keep the world adventurous forever. Our Palo Alto team combines diverse backgrounds with a shared passion for innovation and environmental stewardship. Here's why engineers choose Rivian:

• Real impact: Your code directly enables safety-critical self-driving features in production vehicles
• Cutting-edge tech: Work with state-of-the-art sensors, ML models, and robotics frameworks
• Mission-driven culture: Join a team united by love of adventure and commitment to sustainability
• Growth opportunities: Rapidly scaling company with clear paths for technical leadership
• Innovative environment: Constantly challenge conventional thinking and explore uncharted territory

At Rivian, we hire curious, courageous individuals who thrive in ambiguity and deliver results that matter.

How to Apply

Ready to accelerate the future of autonomous adventure vehicles? Apply now for the Sr./Staff Software Engineer, Calibration & Pose, Autonomy position in Palo Alto:

• Submit your resume highlighting relevant C++/Python and perception experience
• Include links to GitHub, publications, or production AV projects
• Our team reviews applications on a rolling basis—don't wait to join Rivian's Autonomy revolution
• Rivian is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion

Contact candidateaccommodations@rivian.com if you need assistance with the application process. Shape the future of mobility at Rivian—apply today!