Staff Linux Engineer Careers at Rivian - Palo Alto, California

Role Overview

Join Rivian, the pioneering EV manufacturer redefining electric adventure vehicles, as a Staff Linux Engineer in Palo Alto, California. Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles. Our team challenges the status quo, reframing problems and innovating in uncharted territories. As a Staff Linux Engineer, you'll own and mature Rivian's Linux platform across the enterprise and Joint Ventures, delivering a secure, scalable, and developer-friendly environment. Reporting to the Manager of End User Computing/Services, this role demands technical excellence, architectural vision, and leadership at the RIV-6 level.

In this high-impact position, you'll lead Linux system management, security compliance, MDM expansion with FleetDM, and roadmap development aligned with Rivian's R2/R3 programs. If you have deep Linux expertise in Ubuntu, Fedora, Rocky, and tools like FleetDM, Microsoft Defender, and PKI, this is your chance to shape the future of enterprise Linux at a leading EV company.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a Staff Linux Engineer at Rivian, your role is pivotal in ensuring robust Linux infrastructure. Key duties include:

• Define and maintain supported Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, Rocky, and approved hardware models enterprise-wide.
• Lead lifecycle management, including OS patching, end-of-life planning, and standard image baselining for reliability.
• Establish CIS hardening standards, encryption, authentication, and auditing to secure Rivian systems.
• Partner with Security teams for IP protection via tooling integration and policy compliance.
• Expand FleetDM coverage across all Rivian and JV endpoints for comprehensive management.
• Integrate endpoint tools like Microsoft Defender, VPN, certificates, and PKI into Linux ecosystems.
• Deliver dashboards and reporting for visibility, compliance, and fleet health insights.
• Architect scalable solutions for onboarding, provisioning, package management, observability, and automation.
• Develop Linux roadmaps aligned with enterprise priorities, JV expansion, and R2/R3 timelines.
• Lead cross-functionally as SME, influencing designs and enabling developer productivity.

Expected first 6-12 months deliverables: approved Linux support matrix, secure baseline deployment, FleetDM integrations, and roadmap alignment.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as a Staff Linux Engineer at Rivian, you need:

• Deep Linux systems administration expertise across multiple distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Rocky).
• Proven FleetDM experience (or similar MDM) at scale in enterprise environments.
• Strong grasp of enterprise security: CIS, encryption, identity, PKI, vulnerability management.
• Ability to architect scalable platforms for developer-heavy, high-stakes settings.
• Leadership at RIV-6 level: strategic planning, collaboration, and initiative.
• Experience with OS lifecycle, patching, hardware support, and automation tools.

Rivian values diverse backgrounds united by a passion for outdoors and innovation. This role suits senior engineers ready to lead in a dynamic EV manufacturing environment.

Salary & Benefits

Rivian offers a competitive salary range of $135,800 - $169,800 USD yearly for California-based Staff Linux Engineers, based on experience, skills, and location. Additional perks include:

• Annual performance bonuses and equity awards.
• Comprehensive insurance: medical, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Full family coverage for spouse/partner and children up to 26.
• Benefits start day one for full-time employees.

Explore more at rivianbenefits.com.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles; we're accelerating the shift to sustainable adventure. Work with curious, courageous teams in Palo Alto tackling real-world challenges. Enjoy a culture of innovation, outdoor passion, and protection for future generations. As a Staff Linux Engineer, you'll impact everything from enterprise Linux security to JV scalability, in a company pushing EV boundaries with R2/R3 vehicles. Rivian is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

How to Apply

Ready to power Rivian's Linux future? Apply now for Staff Linux Engineer in Palo Alto, CA via careers.rivian.com or internal portal. Position open until at least February 6, 2026. Don't miss this chance to join a top EV manufacturer!

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