Staff Engineer, Motor Controls Algorithm and Analytics

Rivian • Carson, CA

3d

About The Position

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.

The staff engineer leads and contributes to the development and verification of motor controls algorithms and their performance in the EPC (Electric Power Conversion) team. They are responsible for continuously improving the team's technical excellence, discipline, and flexibility to ensure high-quality software deliverables, timely integration of software, operational efficiency, and field performance review via cloud big data for both fault diagnostics and predictive prognostics.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with dissertation research in advanced motor control algorithm design
• 5+ years of experience in algorithm design and testing in the EV industry or equivalent experience
• Expert in the theory and principle of AC electric machine drive and three-phase switching power converter topologies
• Strong data analysis background and programming skills in Python and SQL, and familiarity with modern data stack tools like Databricks.
• Strong teamwork skills, data presentation, problem-solving attitude, and project planning in collaboration with project managers
• Expert in developing digital control algorithms for 3-phase switching power converters and AC electric machines
• Fluency in Model-based design using Matlab/Simulink, modeling and simulation of electric drives, and inverter fault handling
• Strong C and C++ programming languages
• Excellent interpersonal skills in a fast-paced team with full autonomy
• Strong hands-on experience in high voltage/power/speed laboratory/vehicle environment, as well as vehicle ECU interfaces and tools
• Experience with a software testing platform, including HIL tests and unit tests

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced motor control algorithms and calibrations for high power electric drive system
• Develop big data analytical tools to assess, improve, and achieve full robustness of inverter fault handling and advanced motor control features, and complete troubleshooting and root cause analysis (in collaboration with cross-functional hardware and reliability team)
• Develop cross-functional vehicle-level controls features and meet functional safety (FUSA) requirements
• Lead the requirement definition of advanced motor controls and cross-functional vehicle-level features
• Design algorithms, perform simulation and analysis, and work with cross-functional teams
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test cases for controls and software development
• Plan and perform algorithm testing in HIL, high-voltage dynamometer, and vehicle test environments
• Stay abreast of new technologies, competitive methods, and products
• Submit patents and trade secrets to advance Rivian's Intellectual Property portfolio in the field of propulsion drive controls
• Design and implement Prognostics and Health Management algorithms alongside fault diagnostics to estimate the remaining useful life of motor drive components
• Analyze long-term degradation trends from field data to transition fault handling from reactive troubleshooting to proactive predictive maintenance

Benefits

• paid vacation
• paid sick leave
• a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees
• Rivian’s 401(k) Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree