Senior Software Engineer, Vehicle Access Cloud
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies · Palo Alto, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $165,000 / year
- Palo Alto, CA
Job highlights
- Design and develop cloud backend systems for vehicle access.
- Ensure secure, efficient, and reliable integration.
- Lead architectural decisions and mentor engineers.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and OEMs.
- Build scalable, high-performance solutions.
About the 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
The Senior Software Engineer will play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining cloud backend systems that support Vehicle Access Software across the entire vehicle lineup. This role is responsible for ensuring the secure, efficient, and reliable integration of user identity, access mechanisms, and vehicle systems. As a senior engineer, you will lead architectural decisions, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, high-performance solutions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation, and deployment of backend components for vehicle access software across various vehicle models.
- Develop APIs for secure data exchange between various backend micro services, mobile devices and embedded systems.
- Ensure the scalability, reliability, performance, and security of services.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product management, cloud engineers, embedded software developers, mobile engineers, and cybersecurity experts—to integrate various connected services.
- Partner with mobile device OEMs to integrate the software with their platforms.
- Provide technical guidance, mentor junior engineers, and conduct code reviews.
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize processes to ensure seamless functionality in real-world conditions.
- Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including architectural designs, API specifications, system integration guides, and automated tests.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of software engineering experience, with a focus on building high-performance microservices in the automotive or related industry.
- Proficiency in Go, Python, or Java.
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and Kubernetes, as well as Cloud HSM environments.
- Strong DevOps skills for deploying scalable services on AWS or other leading cloud platforms.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Effective communication skills for collaborating across engineering and business teams.
- Familiarity with CCC Digital Key infrastructure, Identity Management Systems, and cybersecurity best practices (preferred).
Total Rewards
Total compensation packages for full-time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity. In addition, our benefits package has been designed to support the health and wellness of our employees. For more information on RV Tech’s comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site.
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 characteristcs, 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 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) record keeping; (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.
If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment.
Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.
Key skills/competency
- Senior Software Engineer
- Vehicle Access Cloud
- Cloud Backend Systems
- API Development
- Microservices
- AWS
- Kubernetes
- DevOps
- Cybersecurity
- Go, Python, Java
Skills & topics
- Senior Software Engineer
- Vehicle Access Cloud
- Cloud Backend Systems
- API Development
- Microservices
- AWS
- Azure
- Kubernetes
- DevOps
- Go
- Python
- Java
- Automotive Software
- Cybersecurity
- Identity Management
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience with Go, Python, or Java and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. Emphasize your microservices and DevOps skills, especially in the automotive industry.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your passion for automotive technology and how your skills align with designing secure, scalable cloud backend systems for vehicle access.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with API design, Kubernetes, and cloud security best practices. Practice coding challenges in Go, Python, or Java.
- Showcase collaboration skills: Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams, mentored junior engineers, and partnered with external stakeholders like mobile device OEMs.
- Research the company: Understand Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies' vision for software-defined vehicles and their role in shaping the future of mobility.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills required for the Senior Software Engineer, Vehicle Access Cloud role at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies?
- The Senior Software Engineer role at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies requires strong proficiency in backend development using Go, Python, or Java. Key skills include experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, containerization with Kubernetes, and robust DevOps practices for deploying scalable services. A background in building high-performance microservices, particularly within the automotive sector, is also essential. Familiarity with identity management systems and cybersecurity best practices is preferred.
- What is the expected experience level for the Senior Software Engineer position at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies?
- Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with a minimum of 5 years of professional software engineering experience. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in designing and developing high-performance microservices, ideally within the automotive or a related industry. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is also required.
- What opportunities are available for career growth at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies for a Senior Software Engineer?
- As a Senior Software Engineer at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, you will have the opportunity to lead architectural decisions, mentor junior engineers, and work on cutting-edge technology shaping the future of software-defined vehicles. The joint venture nature of the company also offers a unique environment to collaborate with experts from two leading automotive giants, fostering extensive professional development and potential for leadership roles within the evolving automotive software landscape.
- How does Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies approach mentorship and collaboration for Senior Software Engineers?
- Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing. Senior Software Engineers are expected to provide technical guidance and mentor junior engineers, fostering a supportive learning environment. You'll work closely with diverse, cross-functional teams including product management, cloud engineers, embedded developers, and cybersecurity experts, promoting a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.
- What is the expected work arrangement for the Senior Software Engineer, Vehicle Access Cloud role?
- While the job description doesn't explicitly state the work arrangement, roles involving cloud backend systems and collaboration with cross-functional teams often suggest a hybrid or remote work model is possible. Candidates are encouraged to inquire about the specific work arrangement during the interview process for the Senior Software Engineer, Vehicle Access Cloud position.