Staff Software Engineer in Test

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.

The Smart Diagnostics & Repair team supports the development and deployment of Rivian’s Smart Diagnostics and AI systems that drive in-vehicle and remote diagnostics using ML and Generative AI. We focus on diagnosis, prognosis and predictive service and maintenance of vehicles. Our systems are used by OEMs and vehicle owners alike across web, mobile, in-vehicle edge and infotainment apps.

Rivian VW Tech is forging the future of electric mobility, and we are building a world-class team to develop and integrate cutting-edge diagnostics systems. We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Staff Software Engineer in Test to be the foundational member of a new End-to-End (E2E) Test and Validation team. This critical role will be instrumental in defining the validation environments and strategy for our Smart Service & Diagnostics Applications with integration across Rivian and Volkswagen technologies. As the initial hire, you will have a unique opportunity to enable quality delivery for a portfolio of backend, frontend (web. mobile/tablet, infotainment) and AI agents & applications, serving developers, technicians & vehicle owners, and shaping the team's direction, establishing best practices, and eventually leading its growth.

As the Staff Software Engineer in Test, you will be a technical leader responsible for establishing and driving the E2E quality, automation and validation strategy. You will architect and optimize our software testing framework, ensuring robust and consistent quality across different applications. Taking an AI first approach, leverage AI agents to accelerate test automation, managing prompt design and agent orchestration for QA pipelines. Leveraging a first-principles mindset and industry best practices, you will define key software quality metrics, establish comprehensive test guidelines, set up HIL and SIL tests, curate simulated data and oversee the full validation lifecycle of test artifacts and releases for multiple brands. This role requires a strong technical background, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse engineering teams.

• Strategic Leadership: Define and champion the overall E2E validation strategy for integrated diagnostics systems.

• Leverage AI agents: Leverage AI agents to accelerate test development, architect and supervise agent pipelines, leverage AI tools to detect flaky test behavior, analyze test coverage, summarize results and identify risks, interpreting and analyzing AI outputs at all times.

• Framework Architecture: Architect, develop, and optimize a scalable and maintainable E2E testing framework tailored for the complexities of real world, fleet and offline applications.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead and facilitate cross-functional discussions with applications, AI platforms and vehicle software teams to ensure alignment and consistency in the testing ecosystem, methodologies, and tools.

• Environment Strategy: Define and optimize the E2E software testing regression strategy, including the effective utilization of various test environments such as virtual simulations, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) setups, and potentially physical plant environments.

• Traceability and Governance: Establish and enforce end-to-end traceability of requirements, code changes, and test cases to ensure comprehensive validation coverage and facilitate impact analysis.

• Best Practices and Guidelines: Define and document comprehensive test guidelines, best practices, and standards for the E2E validation team and broader engineering organization.

• Workflow and Execution: Design and implement efficient workflows for tracking the proper execution of testing activities, including test planning, execution, defect management, and reporting.

• Static Code Analysis Leadership: Lead the implementation and utilization of static code analysis tools, define relevant rule sets, and drive the evaluation and remediation of identified issues.

• Test Result Analysis and Root Cause: Expertly evaluate test results, perform in-depth analysis of failures, and collaborate closely with software development teams to effectively root cause and resolve defects.

• Team Building and Mentorship: As the initial hire, you will lay the foundation for the E2E validation team and be expected to mentor and guide future team members as the team grows.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement, tool enhancements, and automation to elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of the E2E validation process.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in software testing, with a significant focus on system integration and E2E validation.

• Experience within the automotive, or equivalent complex industries.

• Strong understanding and practical experience with system engineering practices, including requirements authoring, failure analysis methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys), and comprehensive test development.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing robust test frameworks and automation strategies for complex systems.

• Significant experience in testing automotive commissioning tools and processes is highly preferred.

• Proven experience in testing distributed systems and their integration with other enterprise systems is a strong plus.

• Deep understanding of agile software development processes and methodologies.

• Strong familiarity with the software lifecycle and deployment considerations within automotive environments.

• Solid understanding of vehicle diagnostics, configuration, and software flashing processes.

• Proficiency with database technologies such as SQL Server and Postgres.

• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS), containerization technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker), and networking principles.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Proven ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team environment and build strong working relationships.

• Demonstrated experience leading technical initiatives and driving them to successful completion.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.

• A proactive and results-oriented mindset with a strong drive to exceed expectations and meet critical deadlines.

• High level of integrity and a commitment to quality.

• Experience in building and leading small technical teams is a significant advantage.

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants: $186,000 - $232,500 (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 - $213,900 (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 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 [email protected].

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.