Principal Autonomy Sensor Engineer

Rivian Automotive

About Us

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. 

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Directly Responsible Individual (DRI) to help lead the state-of-the-art RADAR systems for next-generation autonomy. This role requires deep expertise in advanced RADAR architectures with a rounded hardware, software and system design expertise. As the Lead DRI, you will be responsible for defining the technology roadmap, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring the seamless integration of RADAR perception into autonomy stacks.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of high-resolution RADAR systems for autonomous perception.
  • Architect novel RADAR sensing solutions with a deep understanding of the state of the art RADARs and the trade-offs in different approaches to the solution.
  • Define and drive technical requirements, system architecture, and performance benchmarks for these architectures to help do trade studies.
  • Collaborate with AI/ML teams to develop and deploy deep learning models for RADAR-based perception tasks.
  • Work closely with hardware, firmware, and signal processing teams to ensure optimal integration of RADAR sensors into the autonomy perception stack.
  • Optimize real-time RADAR processing pipelines to achieve ultra-low latency and high accuracy in dynamic environments.
  • Evaluate and implement state-of-the-art signal processing techniques, including MIMO, beamforming, and sensor fusion.
  • Guide and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, fostering innovation and technical excellence.
  • Drive research and development efforts to stay ahead of industry trends and advancements in RADAR technology.
  • Coordinate with external partners, suppliers, and research institutions to leverage cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifications

  • Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in RADAR system design, including hardware, firmware, and signal processing.
  • Strong proficiency in RF and microwave engineering & digital signal processing (DSP).
  • Experience with DSP simulation, modeling, and validation tools such as MATLAB, Python, or C++
  • Hands-on experience with embedded systems and real-time RADAR data processing.
  • Familiarity with sensor fusion techniques, integrating RADAR with LiDAR, cameras, and IMUs.
  • Proven track record of leading technical teams and delivering high-impact projects.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range Palo Alto-Based Applicants: $219,000 -$313,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).

Company Statements

Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. 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.

Rivian 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 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 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 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 affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. 

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, 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 note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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Confirmed 10 hours ago. Posted 30+ days ago.

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