Staff Body Controls Engineer, Lighting

About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Staff Body Controls Engineer to join our software development team. This role is integral to the development and integration of control systems for various vehicle functions, including closures, lighting, seating, and accessory devices. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with a focus on automotive lighting control systems, and will demonstrate leadership in driving projects and mentoring junior engineers. Responsibilities Technical Leadership : Lead the architecture and development of advanced control systems for automotive lighting systems, with experience in advanced automotive lighting feature sets. Review and refine requirements, producing high-level functional specification designs to offer innovative control solutions. Develop a validation strategy, devise a plan, and spearhead the calibration process at the feature level to ensure the successful delivery of the complete vehicle feature set. Create and oversee the development of comprehensive test cases and scripts to validate features in Unit test, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) test, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test environments. Collaborate with other controls engineers and cross-functional teams to enhance or create simulation models for analyzing, optimizing, and troubleshooting different aspects of the vehicle. Work closely with the engineering team to ensure software robustness and seamless integration of new features, driving best practices in software development. Utilize a multidisciplinary approach to troubleshoot complex functional problems within our vehicles by addressing root causes across physical, electrical, and software domains. Project Management : Oversee multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications, while managing resources and budgets effectively. Prioritize and escalate issues based on user impact and program objectives for prompt resolution, demonstrating strong decision-making skills. Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the engineering team. Qualifications Expertise in C programming languages as well as Python, with a focus on developing scalable and maintainable code. Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering; Master's degree preferred. 7+ years of experience working with automotive control systems, with a proven track record of leading projects. Deep understanding of embedded systems architecture and real-time operating systems (RTOS). In-depth knowledge of control theory principles & algorithm design, including compensator design and PID tuning. Strong knowledge of software development lifecycle and methodologies, including Agile and Scrum. Experience with tools for requirements management, revision control, issue management systems like JIRA, JAMA, Git Familiarity with failure analysis methodologies such as FMEA and fault trees, with experience in leading FMEA sessions. Proficiency in CAN / LIN / ETH tools like Vector CANalyzer, CANoe, CANape, etc., along with a deep understanding of embedded hardware & software design. Demonstrated creativity in design work coupled with hands-on building abilities, with a portfolio of successful projects. Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and drive change. Willingness to travel up to 20% as required. Pay Disclosure Salary Range / Hourly Rate for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants : $186,000 to $235,500 USD (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Salary Range / Hourly Rate for Irvine, California Based Applicants : $171,100 to $213,900 USD (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary : Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical / Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Equal Opportunity Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian and VW Group Technologies (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and / or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media / website, network / device, recruiting system usage / interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information. 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