Staff/Lead Software Engineer, Applications

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.

As a Staff/Lead Engineer, you will operate as a technical leader within the Applications team, responsible for owning the architecture and delivery of major application features that integrate seamlessly with the vehicle. You will drive technical strategy, mentor senior engineers, and dive deep into the Android codebase to ensure maximum performance and integration.

• Design/Improve application architecture to meet product and technology goals.
• Lead the software design process and collaborate with other developers on technical issues, design choices, and decision making.
• Drive technical leadership and mentorship, supporting the growth of team members through knowledge sharing and guidance.
• Investigate AAOS codebase for better application performance and integration.
• Lead feature development and technical delivery on key initiatives, ensuring modular and scalable software creation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including platform software and UI/UX, to define and realize a modern in-vehicle experience.
• Champion code review processes and continuous integration practices.
• Operate independently and manage workload with minimal supervision.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, a relevant technical field or equivalent practical experience.

• Proficiency in Kotlin, Java, and C++.

• Proficiency in Android and Android Jetpack APIs, including knowledge of Android NDK and JNI.

• Knowledge of Android design principles and application interface guidelines.

• Knowledge of Android's performance and testing framework.

• Experience influencing outcomes across a variety of cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as an Android App developer.

• Experience with embedded Android framework services.

• Experience with continuous integration tools, such as Jenkins.

Salary Range for California Based Applicants: $167,400 - $209,300 USD (This range is based on similar Staff-level technical roles in the sources; actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for British Columbia Based Applicants: 137, ,000 CAD (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full-time employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.

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 

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.