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 Our team is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge 3D applications and experiences for our premium vehicles. We create immersive 3D visual experiences for all digital touchpoints—in-vehicle, web, and mobile. Additionally, we develop other critical Android applications that run within the Infotainment system. We are a dynamic team passionate about delivering immersive and high-quality user experiences. The Opportunity We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Staff Software Engineer, Automation & Test to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in elevating our testing infrastructure and quality bar. You'll have the opportunity to architect and implement robust automation solutions, ensuring the reliability and quality of our complex 3D (Unreal Engine) and Android applications. This role offers significant growth potential, with the expectation that you will help define and eventually lead a small team of engineers focused on automation and quality within the next couple of years. Responsibilities Integrate deeply with the development team, familiarizing yourself with the software development lifecycle, production software, infrastructure, and participating actively in project planning, daily stand-ups, and other team rituals. Unit Testing: Drive the establishment and enhancement of our Unit Testing infrastructure, particularly within Unreal Engine. This includes introducing new frameworks, performing necessary code refactors to improve testability, developing comprehensive code coverage plans, and collaborating closely with the Development Team to implement and maintain these tests. Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Testing: Lead the development and integration of SIL test infrastructure utilizing Unreal Engine screenshot testing frameworks. Integrate these frameworks into our existing infrastructure and development processes, define extensive use-case and coverage plans, and implement a large suite of automated tests. Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing Liaison: Act as the primary liaison between the 3D team and the Infotainment Test Automation team for HIL testing. Your role will involve collaborating to increase test coverage, ensuring the HIL infrastructure remains robust, and helping to keep tests running smoothly. General Automation & Tooling: Spearhead various automation initiatives, including integrating test infrastructure into CI/CD pipelines, contributing to Infotainment build CI/CD processes, assisting with day-to-day development scripts used by engineers, and creating specialized tools to enhance collaboration with Studio and UI/UX teams. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline. A minimum of 8+ years of professional experience as a Software Engineer, Software Developer in Test, or Test Engineer, with demonstrated experience in leading significant testing initiatives and projects. Expert proficiency in Python and strong experience with at least one additional programming language (e.g., C/C++, Go, Rust, Java, Kotlin). Demonstrated excellence in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust and scalable automation frameworks and test suites. Deep understanding of software engineering principles, including development best practices, code review processes, and system architecture. Extensive hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI/CD) to automate test execution and deployment processes. Proven ability to work effectively with version control systems (e.g., Git). Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen ability to identify root causes of complex system issues. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to influence and mentor others. Bonus Skills Experience with UI-level testing tools (e.g., Appium, Selenium). Prior experience in the automotive industry, particularly with infotainment systems or embedded software. Experience with 3D rendering engines or graphics development. A track record of mentoring junior engineers or leading small project teams. Pay Disclosure Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants: $186,800.00 - 232,000.00 (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 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 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. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.