Tracking Engineer, Perception, Autonomy Careers at Rivian - Palo Alto, California

Role Overview

Rivian is revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry with its mission to keep the world adventurous forever. As a Tracking Engineer, Perception, Autonomy, you'll join a team of innovators building emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles equipped with cutting-edge autonomy technology. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Palo Alto, California, this role offers the chance to develop high-performance tracking algorithms that power real-world autonomous driving systems.

This position demands expertise in C++ development, perception systems, and robotics, combining deep software engineering with massive fleet-scale deployment. Rivian's autonomy team is pushing boundaries in object tracking, multi-sensor fusion, and safety-critical systems, ensuring our vehicles navigate complex environments with precision and reliability.

With a diverse team united by a passion for the outdoors and protecting future generations, Rivian offers more than just a job—it's a mission to redefine mobility. If you thrive in unknown territories and excel in real-time, safety-critical software, this Tracking Engineer role at Rivian is your opportunity to make history.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a core member of Rivian's Autonomy team, your impact will be immediate and far-reaching. Here's what you'll tackle daily:

• Design and implement high-performance tracking algorithms for perception and active safety systems using modern C++.
• Develop robust, scalable C++ software optimized for real-time, safety-critical autonomous vehicle applications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Perception, Sensor Fusion, Planning, and Controls teams to deliver production-grade solutions.
• Conduct rigorous performance evaluation, debugging, and optimization on large-scale datasets and onboard hardware.
• Optimize tracking systems for massive fleet deployment, ensuring reliability at automotive scale.
• Integrate multi-sensor fusion pipelines with advanced object tracking capabilities.
• Debug complex robotics systems in real-world driving scenarios.
• Deliver high-quality code in large-scale codebases following industry best practices.
• Contribute to active safety features that protect drivers and passengers.

Every line of code you write powers Rivian's next-generation Electric Adventure Vehicles, from the R1T truck to future autonomy platforms.

Qualifications & Requirements

Rivian seeks proven engineers ready to tackle the challenges of production autonomy. Key qualifications include:

• 3+ years industry experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles (AV), or real-time safety-critical systems.
• Strong C++ proficiency (C++14/17+) with expertise in software engineering best practices.
• Deep understanding of perception systems, multi-sensor fusion, and object tracking algorithms.
• Experience in robotics, active safety, or autonomous systems (highly preferred).
• Proven track record working in complex, large-scale codebases delivering production solutions.
• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Bonus points for experience with embedded systems, computer vision, or automotive-grade software development. Rivian values diverse backgrounds and courageous problem-solvers who challenge conventional approaches.

Salary & Benefits

Rivian offers competitive compensation for this Tracking Engineer role in Palo Alto, California:

• Salary Range: $179,000 - $223,800 USD annually (based on experience and qualifications).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance—coverage starts day one.
• Rivian pays most premiums for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and children up to 26.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and accessibility.

Actual compensation considers experience, location, and market factors. Join a company investing heavily in autonomy talent with equity opportunities and career growth.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles—we're protecting the adventure for future generations. Our Palo Alto team operates at the intersection of hardware, software, and real-world impact. Here's why engineers choose Rivian:

• Real production impact: Deploy code to thousands of vehicles, not prototypes.
• Cutting-edge challenges: Solve unsolved problems in perception and tracking at fleet scale.
• Mission-driven culture: Love for outdoors unites our diverse team.
• Silicon Valley innovation: Work alongside top autonomy talent in Palo Alto.
• Comprehensive benefits: Health coverage from day one, competitive pay, and more.

Rivian's autonomy stack powers adventure vehicles that go off-road and beyond. Your tracking algorithms will enable safer, smarter autonomy for the next generation of EVs.

How to Apply

Ready to accelerate Rivian's autonomy mission? Apply now for the Tracking Engineer, Perception, Autonomy position in Palo Alto, CA. Submit your resume highlighting C++ experience, perception systems, and robotics background. Rivian is an equal opportunity employer—qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of protected characteristics.

Accommodations available: Email candidateaccommodations@rivian.com if you need assistance. Don't miss this chance to build the future of autonomous adventure vehicles at Rivian!