Role Overview

Join Rivian as a Staff Software Engineer, HIL, Autonomy in Palo Alto, California, and lead the charge in verifying mission-critical automotive software for electric adventure vehicles. Rivian is redefining mobility with emissions-free EVs, and this role positions you at the forefront of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing for our autonomy stack. You'll architect verification strategies, own HIL platforms, and scale automation globally, partnering across teams to ensure unparalleled quality and reliability. If you're passionate about automotive testing, embedded systems, and pushing boundaries in EV technology, this Staff Software Engineer HIL Autonomy career at Rivian is your chance to shape the future.

With a focus on high-performance testing, you'll drive the full lifecycle of advanced HIL platforms, from test plan development to CI/CD integration. Rivian's commitment to innovation means you'll work on cutting-edge systems that power autonomous features in our rugged, adventure-ready vehicles. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this role offers collaboration with top engineers in a fast-paced environment dedicated to protecting the planet through sustainable transportation.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a technical leader in Rivian's autonomy team, your impact will be immediate and profound. Here's what you'll tackle daily:

• Architectural Ownership: Design, develop, and own highly scalable HIL test automation frameworks that ensure reliability for automotive software.
• HIL Platform Expertise: Manage, optimize, and upgrade performance-critical HIL platforms to deliver optimal efficiency.
• CI/CD Integration Leadership: Integrate HIL systems into pipelines like GitLab and Jenkins for seamless automated testing and deployment.
• Strategic Test Development: Convert detailed embedded software requirements into high-quality test plans, cases, and QA documentation.
• Process Definition: Establish refined QA processes and pipelines to enforce rigorous standards team-wide.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee automated regression tests for full coverage and continuous quality assurance.
• Feature Validation Partnership: Collaborate with software teams on lab-based bench testing for new feature validation.
• Advanced Debugging: Track, verify, and close defects, prioritizing critical support and field issues.
• Automation Scripting Mastery: Create and enhance scripts in Python, Bash, C/C++ to boost efficiency and coverage.
• Release Readiness Reporting: Deliver clear, data-driven status updates for timely product releases.

These responsibilities demand a proactive leader who thrives in dynamic timelines, making this one of the most rewarding Rivian software engineer jobs in autonomy testing.

Qualifications & Requirements

Rivian seeks proven experts ready to elevate our verification systems. Key qualifications include:

• 8+ years in Embedded/Platform Software testing, with deep HIL experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python, Bash, C, C++ for scripting and automation.
• Hands-on expertise in Linux or QNX environments.
• Knowledge of Socket Programming, TCP/IP, HTTP for networked testing.
• Proven experience testing automotive ECUs using CAN, Ethernet protocols.
• Board-level testing skills for hardware-software integration.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools like GitLab and Jenkins.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
• Self-motivated collaborator with adaptability to fast-paced production schedules.
• Exceptional communication, testing, and troubleshooting prowess.

These requirements ensure you're equipped to handle the complexities of autonomy HIL testing at Rivian, from ECU validation to global-scale automation.

Salary & Benefits

Rivian offers competitive compensation for this senior role: $167,400 - $209,300 USD yearly for California-based applicants, based on experience and factors permitted by law. Beyond salary, enjoy comprehensive perks:

• Robust medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Coverage starts day one, extending to spouse/partner and kids under 26.
• Rivian pays most premiums for cost-effective protection.
• Equal opportunity employment with accessibility accommodations.
• Innovative culture in Palo Alto's tech hub.
• Mission-aligned work accelerating EV adoption.
• Cross-functional partnerships in autonomy and software teams.
• Professional growth in cutting-edge HIL and CI/CD technologies.

This package positions Rivian as a top employer for software engineers in EV autonomy.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building vehicles; we're safeguarding adventure for generations. Our diverse team challenges conventions, reframing problems in emissions-free mobility. As a Staff Software Engineer in HIL Autonomy, you'll contribute to world-class verification that powers safe, reliable autonomous features. Work with curious pioneers in Palo Alto, enjoy outdoor-loving culture, and drive global impact. Rivian's growth trajectory offers unparalleled opportunities in EV innovation.

From scaling HIL infrastructure to leading QA processes, you'll define the future of automotive testing. Join a company where your expertise in embedded testing, CI/CD, and protocols like CAN/Ethernet directly advances sustainable transport.

How to Apply

Ready to architect Rivian's next-gen HIL systems? Apply now for this Staff Software Engineer role in Palo Alto! Submit your resume highlighting HIL, autonomy, and automation experience. Rivian is an equal opportunity employer committed to accessibility—email candidateaccommodations@rivian.com for support. Don't miss this chance to lead verification at a trailblazing EV manufacturer.