Staff Software Technical Program Manager

Rivian Automotive

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 experienced and exceptionally driven Staff Technical Program Manager responsible for the development and delivery execution of embedded test firmware for vehicle controls electronic control units (ECUs) and the associated robust test script development for automated test systems. You will drive technical execution, foster cross-functional collaboration, and ensure the timely delivery of firmware and comprehensive test solutions for software-defined vehicles.

Responsibilities

  • Program Leadership & Ownership: Independently lead and manage end-to-end technical programs for embedded firmware development on ECUs and the corresponding test script development for automated test systems. Take full ownership of program success, driving outcomes aligned with company objectives and technical milestones.
  • Technical Strategy & Execution: Provide deep technical guidance and strategic direction to firmware and test development teams. Ensure architectural alignment, promote best practices, and drive the resolution of complex technical issues throughout the integration process.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Synergy: Act as a principal liaison and problem-solver, cultivating strong working relationships and fostering deep collaboration across firmware, electrical hardware, software development, validation, manufacturing, and other relevant engineering teams to maximize synergy of efforts and ensure seamless integration.
  • Agile Development & Prioritization: Champion and guide the development teams in effective Agile methodologies. Facilitate robust sprint planning, resource allocation, and backlog prioritization, ensuring a clear roadmap and efficient aligned execution pace while balancing technical quality and product scope.
  • Progress Tracking & Insightful Reporting: Establish and maintain robust mechanisms for tracking program progress, identifying potential roadblocks, and proactively mitigating systemic risks. Deliver clear, concise, and insightful updates on program status, key metrics, and accomplishments to executive leadership and the broader organization.
  • Requirements Definition: Partner closely with Engineering disciplines to translate high-level product requirements into detailed, actionable embedded firmware and test system specifications.
  • Risk & Dependency Management: Proactively identify, assess, and manage technical risks and dependencies across multiple workstreams. Develop and implement effective mitigation strategies, ensuring healthy escalations to leadership as needed to ensure deliverables are met.
  • Continuous Improvement & Optimization: Initiate, champion, and lead significant continuous process improvements within the software development lifecycle, program management frameworks, and test processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and predictability.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
  • 7+ years of progressive Technical or Engineering Program Management experience, demonstrating a strong and successful track record in software/firmware delivery for complex, integrated software-hardware products at scale.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with embedded firmware development (C/C++) and/or automated test system development (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, C#, TestStand).
  • Experience in development and successful production launch of new products, particularly those with intricate interdependencies between software, firmware, and electrical hardware systems.
  • Exceptional communication (written and verbal), collaboration, and influencing skills, with a proven ability to effectively lead, align, and motivate diverse cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders in highly dynamic and ambiguous environments.
  • Practical mastery of both Agile and Waterfall development methodologies, with advanced proficiency in Jira and other program management tools to manage complex software delivery, and to define and implement best practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently, take initiative, and drive results in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing, including test automation frameworks.
  • Experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for embedded systems.
  • Previous experience as an embedded software or hardware product development engineer.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range for California Based Candidates: $167,400.00 - $209,300.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian 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, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.

Company Statements

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.

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Confirmed 23 minutes ago. Posted 4 days ago.

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