Staff Electrical Systems Engineer

About this role

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 RV Tech — the Rivian and Volkswagen Group joint venture — builds the electrical and electronic foundation of a software-defined vehicle platform used by both partner OEMs. Our Electrical Systems Hardware Engineering group owns the vehicle's electrical system architecture and domain definition. As a Staff engineer, you own the architecture and integration of several electrical domains on US-based programs, covering both electrical system definition and low-voltage power distribution. RESPONSIBILITIES - Own the electrical architecture for your assigned domains: low- and high-voltage (LV/HV) power distribution, harness strategy, and electrical interface definitions - Define zonal topology inputs — zonal ECU count and placement — and allocate devices and device I/O to zonal controllers - Define LV power architecture: supply strategy across batteries, DC-DC converters, and eFuses; bus management, power modes, and fault handling - Develop mission profiles and accessory power requirements, including load budgets and quiescent current targets - Decompose vehicle- and system-level specifications into subsystem, component, and zonal interface requirements with full traceability - Develop and negotiate requirements with component suppliers and internal component owners - Define hardware-driven software requirements for embedded software teams - Review schematics for conformance to the defined architecture - Develop and execute validation plans across unit, software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and vehicle-level testing - Lead root cause analysis and resolution of electrical issues through development and validation - Evaluate and recommend next-generation technologies, and support the R&D needed to mature them - Align electrical system boundaries with vehicle systems and software teams, and confirm designs scale across both Rivian and Volkswagen Group programs QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications: - BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field - ~8+ years in electrical systems engineering on automotive or comparable complex embedded products - Ownership of an electrical system or domain through a full development cycle - Expertise in LV/HV power systems, electrical distribution, and wiring harness design - Requirements decomposition, interface definition, and validation coverage - Experience developing and negotiating technical requirements with component suppliers - Working knowledge of vehicle networks (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet) - Familiarity with ISO 26262 functional safety as applied to electrical systems Preferred Qualifications - Zonal or centralized E/E architecture experience on a production program - eFuse or solid-state power distribution, DC-DC converter sizing, or 12V/48V bus design - Power mode and sleep/wake state machine specification - Circuit simulation for load, transient, and fault analysis (SPICE, Saber, or equivalent) - Electrical design tooling - MS in Electrical Engineering or a related field 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 https://rvtech.mybenefits.life/. External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board https://app.ashbyhq.com/internal/job-board/b10a9912-eb45-4a84-9a34-84b2a459923a. 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 wit