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 highly motivated and experienced Senior Engineer to lead the development of our cutting-edge virtual vehicle simulation environment. This is a unique opportunity to be a foundational member of our engineering team, playing a critical role in accelerating the development of our Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) technology, specifically within the propulsion and vehicle dynamics domain. You will be responsible for building and maintaining a sophisticated simulation platform from the ground up, utilizing a first-principles approach and leveraging open-source tools to create a realistic and robust virtual environment for developing and validating software-centric vehicle features. Your work will directly impact how we define system requirements, test software implementations, and ultimately deliver innovative and adaptable vehicle functionalities. Responsibilities Architect and Develop Virtual Vehicle Simulation Environment for SDVs: Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive virtual vehicle simulation environment focusing on propulsion systems (powertrain, electric motors, batteries, etc.) and vehicle dynamics (steering, braking, suspension, tire models, aerodynamics), with a strong emphasis on enabling the development and testing of software- defined functionalities within these domains. First Principles Modeling: Utilize a strong understanding of physics, engineering principles, and mathematical modeling to develop accurate and high-fidelity models of vehicle components and their interactions, focusing on capturing the behavior relevant to software control and interaction. Hands-on Implementation: Be actively involved in the hands-on implementation of simulation models using open-source tools such as OpenModelica, Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), and potentially 3D environments for visualization (though CARLA's autonomous focus might be less central, other tools could be relevant). Software Integration Focus: Design the simulation environment to effectively integrate and test software modules related to propulsion control, energy management strategies, dynamic control algorithms, and other software-defined features. Scenario Design and Automation for Software Validation: Develop and automate diverse simulation scenarios specifically designed to test the logic, performance, and robustness of software implementations related to propulsion and dynamics under various operating conditions and edge cases. Data Analysis and Validation: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to software performance and system behavior, analyze simulation results, and validate model accuracy against real-world data obtained from in-vehicle testing. In-Vehicle Testing Collaboration: Collaborate with in-vehicle testing teams to understand real-world vehicle behavior, particularly as it relates to software performance and interactions, identify areas for simulation model improvement, and correlate simulation results with physical test outcomes. Requirements Engineering for Software Features: Utilize the simulation environment to support the development and refinement of system-level requirements for software-defined features in propulsion and dynamics. Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Integration: Integrate the simulation environment with SIL and HIL platforms to enable rigorous testing of software modules and hardware components. Toolchain Development for SDV Development: Contribute to the development and maintenance of the simulation toolchain, including scripting tools, data processing pipelines, and visualization tools, with a focus on facilitating software development and testing workflows. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Thoroughly document the simulation environment, models, and processes, and actively share knowledge with the broader engineering and software teams. Staying Current: Continuously research and evaluate new simulation technologies, methodologies, and open-source tools relevant to the development and testing of software-defined vehicle functionalities. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering with a strong understanding of vehicle systems, or a related field. Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) is highly preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience in developing and applying vehicle simulation models, with a focus on enabling software development and testing for vehicle systems. Deep understanding of vehicle dynamics principles, including kinematics, kinetics, tire models, and control systems. Strong knowledge of propulsion systems, including internal combustion engines, electric powertrains, battery systems, and energy management. Extensive hands-on experience with open-source simulation tools such as OpenModelica for first-principles modeling and Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas). Experience with designing simulation environments for software integration and testing. Proficiency in Python and relevant scientific computing libraries (e.g.,NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib). Experience with scenario design and automation for validating software behavior in simulation. Familiarity with data analysis techniques and tools for validating simulation results against real-world data, particularly focusing on software performance. Experience with integrating simulation environments with SIL and HIL platforms for software testing. Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with both hardware and software teams. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with other simulation tools relevant to SDV development, such as those focusing on control system simulation or software integration. Familiarity with real-time simulation and hardware acceleration. Experience with cloud-based simulation platforms. Knowledge of software architectures and development processes for embedded systems. Experience with software testing methodologies and tools. Familiarity with communication protocols used in vehicles (e.g., CAN, Ethernet). Experience with software development best practices, version control (e.g., Git), and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD). Experience with in-vehicle data acquisition and analysis tools, particularly in the context of software validation. Bonus Points: Contributions to open-source simulation projects or software development tools relevant to vehicle systems. Publications or presentations in the field of vehicle simulation or software-defined vehicles. Pay Disclosure Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants: $146,900 - $183600 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Irvine, California Based Applicants: $135,100; Mid: $168,900 (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. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.