Software Engineering Intern - Systems Engineering (Fall-Spring Co-op)

About this 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

As a Software Engineering Intern, you will be an integral part of the Vehicle Architecture & Controls Team. You will be responsible for implementing and validating low-level embedded software for critical vehicle functions such as Energy Storage & Distribution (ES&D), power modes, or foundational motion control features. You will work in a dynamic environment, applying your expertise in real-time programming and system fundamentals to ensure the safety and reliability of our electronic control units (ECUs).

Duration: September 21, 2026 – April 23, 2027

Applicants must be available to work from our Yaletown Office for the full duration of the Co-op.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Develop & Implement: Write and validate low-level embedded software for core vehicle systems, including battery and energy management systems.

- Feature Engineering: Build out features for low- and high-voltage systems, focusing on power/current distribution, DC/DC controls, and fault detection/recovery.

- Architecture Design: Design scalable, high-performance software architectures with a strict focus on embedded system reliability.

- Automated Testing: Support and expand our automated testing framework by writing comprehensive test components across Unit, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with systems engineers to define feature requirements, and collaborate with test engineers to debug, validate, and deploy algorithms.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

- Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program at an accredited Canadian university in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.

- Status: Must have the intent to return to school full-time following the completion of this internship.

- Languages: Strong, proven proficiency in C/C++ or Python.

- Available to work full-time from our Vancouver, BC office from September 21, 2026 – April 23, 2027

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience working in a Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) environment.

- Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, UDS, DoIP).

- Hands-on experience with microcontrollers and PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controllers.

- Exposure to advanced 32-bit multi-core microcontrollers.

TOTAL REWARDS

We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.

Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.

In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs https://rvtech.mybenefits.life/.

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board https://app.ashbyhq.com/internal/job-board/b10a9912-eb45-4a84-9a34-84b2a459923a.

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 [email protected].

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…