Sr. Dynamics and Suspension Controls System Engineer
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
This role is focused on developing and optimizing Vehicle Dynamics features across vehicle propulsion, chassis controls, torque vectoring, and active driveline systems. As our vehicle platform portfolio expands, this engineer will lead dynamics feature development across increasing drivetrain permutations, leveraging modern AI-assisted engineering tools to accelerate analysis, requirements development, and validation workflows. The ideal candidate is a technically strong systems thinker who embraces AI productivity tools as a force multiplier in a fast-paced development environment.
Responsibilities
Support and drive development of Vehicle Dynamics features relating to Chassis
Controls, Torque Vectoring, and Active Driveline, under guidance of Staff and Principal engineers
Collaborate cross-functionally with OEM stakeholders to define User Stories and Vehicle Dynamics Performance Attributes
Derive attributes top-down for sub-systems and components (Mechanical, Electrical, and Software) using first principles for performance and safety
Develop and document requirements at vehicle, system, and component level with full traceability
Interface with other technical functional domains to ensure proper vehicle-level quality, integration, and manufacturability
Support attribute verification and vehicle performance evaluation
Contribute to feature-level DFMEAs using traditional methods and MBSE
Support System-level Functional Safety work products compliant with ISO 26262 guidelines
Support in-vehicle testing and validation globally
Contribute to DVP&R development working alongside senior engineers to formulate, conduct, and capture validation tests at various levels (SIL, HIL, Component, and Vehicle)
Participate in troubleshooting issues, applying structured root cause analysis methodologies
Actively utilize AI-assisted tools (e.g., LLM-based coding assistants, AI-enhanced simulation pre/post-processing, automated requirements traceability tools) to improve throughput and quality of engineering deliverables
Assist in development, commissioning and maintaining physics based vehicle models with focus on semi-active & active suspension systems. (MATLAB or AI based tooling)
Apply AI tools to accelerate data analysis from proving ground and lab test events, reducing cycle time from test to insight
Use AI-assisted scripting and code generation (Python/MATLAB) to automate repetitive analysis tasks and generate first-pass calibration documentation
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive, or Controls
Engineering (Master's preferred)
3–5 years of systems engineering experience with a focus on vehicle dynamics or
chassis controls
Working knowledge of Controls, Electrical, or Mechanical engineering as applied to
automotive systems
Experience with electric powertrain systems and validation at one or more test levels
(SIL, HIL, Component, or Vehicle)
Familiarity with DFMEA processes
Understanding of ISO 26262 functional safety guidelines as applied to safety-critical
automotive systems
Demonstrated use of AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude) or
AI-powered analysis tools in an engineering context
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience testing at proving grounds
Familiarity with MBSE methodologies and tools