About RivianRivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role SummaryAs a Sr. Design Engineer within Rivian's Sensing Systems Team, you will be a core contributor to the architecture, development, deployment, and optimization of advanced sensing systems driving safety-critical, customer-facing features for Rivian's autonomous vehicles. This role is deeply technical and hands-on, requiring a strong background in hardware systems engineering, sensor bring-up, vehicle integration, and cross-domain debugging. You will be responsible for ensuring sensors function reliably and meet system-level performance targets under real-world operating conditions.
Responsibilities- Contribute to hardware integration and validation of all ADAS sensors (camera, radar, LiDAR) into prototype and production vehicle platforms.
- Own the sensor SW interface definition, including ethernet / MIPI / CAN frame formats and PTP timesync.
- Own the sensor FW development and sensor bring-up, including functional validation and failure analysis.
- Work closely with perception, controls, and embedded software teams to ensure sensor data integrity and system alignment.
- Develop and execute system-level test plans, including lab validation, vehicle-level testing, and environmental stress screening (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC).
- Implement and refine sensor calibration and alignment processes, including static and dynamic calibration for multi-modal fusion readiness.
- Drive issue triage and resolution across HW, FW, and mechanical domains with a rigorous, data-driven approach.
- Support sensor supplier selection, evaluation, and bring-up, including root cause analysis on field failures or yield issues.
- Maintain ownership of integration documentation, test artifacts, and interface control specifications.
QualificationsRequired:- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Expert proficiency with Python, strong C++ skills for performance-critical, production code.
- System and algorithmic optimization, robust software engineering best practices, and empirical performance analysis.
- Understanding of signal interfaces and protocols: CAN, Ethernet, SPI, MIPI, and synchronization methods (PTP, PPS).
- Familiarity with test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers), as well as vehicle data loggers and network analyzers.
- Familiarity with sensor fusion algorithms and the impact of physical alignment, timing, and data integrity.
- Working knowledge of sensor modeling and simulation tools.
- Highly effective communicator and team collaborator; demonstrated ability to partner across technical specialties and organizational boundaries to deliver end-to-end solutions.
Preferred:- Hands-on experience integrating camera, radar, and LiDAR sensors in automotive or robotics platforms.
- Familiarity with one or more deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)
- Experience with vehicle integration and on-road validation, including structured debug of real-world sensor performance issues.
Pay DisclosureSalary Range for Palo Alto, CA based applicants: $132,000 - $165,000 annually (Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.
Equal OpportunityRivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at
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