Sr. Autonomy Data Collection and Prototyping Engineer

Rivian • Palo Alto, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

As part of the Autonomy Data Collection and Prototyping team, you will be fundamental in ensuring the quality, integrity, and analytical value of the data generated by Rivian’s ADAS/Autonomy test platforms. You will lead the deployment of robust Linux environments and manage low-level Automotive Service Communication (UDS Protocol) to ensure seamless, real-time vehicle interaction. This role is heavily focused on the successful integration, validation, and data acquisition from a comprehensive suite of automotive sensors—including radars, cameras, lidars, and precision positioning systems—directly influencing the development of our autonomous features.

Furthermore, you will be a key contributor to developing on-vehicle Engineering and Operations Tooling HMI (Human-Machine Interface) necessary for efficient test fleet management and data acquisition. This role works cross-functionally with SW development, Data Science, and Hardware Engineering teams based locally and throughout Rivian locations around the country. This role is expected to be onsite, with occasional travel required.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related field is required.
• 2+ years of experience in software development, embedded systems, or systems engineering, with a strong focus on Linux deployment and automotive hardware integration.
• Linux Deployment Proficiency: Proven experience building, deploying, and maintaining Linux operating systems in embedded or edge-computing environments. Expertise in Linux command-line tooling, bash scripting, and system-level diagnostics.
• Automotive Protocols & UDS Expertise: Strong working knowledge of vehicle network architectures (Automotive Ethernet, CAN/CAN-FD) and hands-on experience implementing Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) for vehicle communication.
• Sensor Integration Experience: Deep understanding of ADAS sensors (Lidar, Radar, Camera) and precision Positioning Systems (GNSS, RTK, IMU). Proven ability to integrate, calibrate, and debug these sensors for high-volume data collection.
• HMI/UI Development: Experience with mobile, embedded, or desktop UI/UX development frameworks (e.g., Java/Kotlin/Swift, React/Angular, or other HMI tools) to build functional engineering tools.
• Networking Knowledge: Strong understanding of network architecture (TCP/IP, UDP, PTP/gPTP) and debugging high-speed data links.
• Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python (for scripting and data analysis) and professional experience with C++ for developing high-performance, system-level components.

Responsibilities

• Linux Systems Deployment & Management: Architect, deploy, and maintain custom Linux environments across the test fleet’s compute platforms. Optimize OS-level performance for high-bandwidth data logging, ensure system stability, and manage reliable software deployments.
• Automotive Diagnostics & UDS Communication: Implement and manage vehicle communication utilizing the Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) protocol. Develop custom tooling to read/clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), request high-fidelity vehicle data, and execute diagnostic routines critical for test fleet operations.
• ADAS Sensor Integration & Validation: Lead the physical and software integration of advanced automotive sensors, specifically Radars, Cameras, Lidars, and Positioning Systems (GNSS/IMU). Validate sensor data integrity, handle time synchronization (e.g., PTP), and ensure highly reliable acquisition pipelines.
• Engineering Tooling HMI Development: Design and develop the on-vehicle user interface code that allows test teams to manage data logging, view system status, and validate systems in real-time, integrating directly with diagnostic services and live sensor feeds.
• Hardware & System Debugging: Support advanced triage of system issues using deep technical knowledge of Linux tooling, vehicle networks (Ethernet, CAN), and sensor interfaces to rapidly identify hardware faults, low-level software bugs, and integration bottlenecks.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level