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 Controls Software Engineer to join our Thermal Controls software development team. This role is integral to the development and integration of control systems for various vehicle features, including cabin cooling, cabin heating, battery cooling, battery heating, and actuator control development. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with a focus on automotive or aerospace control systems.

Responsibilities

Develop embedded software in C for automotive ECUs

Architect and develop control systems for various vehicle subsystems such as refrigeration, coolant, external airflow, and HVAC to be executed on embedded controllers

Review requirements and produce high-level functional specification designs to offer control solutions

Create test cases and scripts to validate features in unit test, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) test, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test environments

Conduct software testing and calibration on vehicles

Develop intuitive diagnostic interfaces for controllers to facilitate troubleshooting and maintenance

Utilize a multidisciplinary approach to troubleshoot functional problems within our vehicles by addressing root causes across physical, electrical, and software domains.

Prioritize and escalate issues based on user impact and program objectives for prompt resolution

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields

3+ years of experience working with controls development, integration, or calibration - automotive or aerospace experience preferred

Strong proficiency in C, C++, Rust, and/or Python

Knowledgeable about control theory principles & algorithm design like compensator design and PID tuning

Familiar with fundamentals of heat transfer and thermodynamics

Working experience in firmware integration, calibration, vehicle-level testing, and/or SW debugging at the feature level

Familiar with thermal and HVAC components including but not limited to water pumps, AC compressors, expansion valves, blower fans, and HVAC modules preferred

Working experience with requirements management tools (Jama, Doors, or equivalent) preferred

Working experience with issue tracking tools (Jira or equivalent) preferred

Working experience with communication bus monitoring tools (Vector CANalyzer or equivalent) preferred

Working experience with software calibration tools (Vector CANape, ETAS INCA, or equivalent) preferred

Working experience with developing automated test cases in the unit testing, SIL, and/or HIL environment; Pytest, OpenHTF, or equivalent experience preferred

Willingness to travel up to 15% as required

Total Rewards

We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.

Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.

In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs.