Sr. Network Engineer

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 Senior Network Engineer & IT Support Lead, you will be dedicated to designing, installing, securing, and supporting network hardware and software across RivianVWG facilities and third-party vendor locations. You will act as the primary technical point of contact to establish site-to-site VPN tunnels, lead complex network installation projects, and resolve critical support issues. This role blends deep hands-on infrastructure engineering with an end-user-first support mindset, requiring a proactive "teacher" approach to IT, strong cross-functional collaboration, and supplemental familiarity with AWS hybrid cloud routing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PRIMARY FOCUS: ON-PREMISES NETWORK ENGINEERING & IT SUPPORT LEAD

- Project Leadership & Installation: Lead network installation projects from initial planning through execution across RivianVWG facilities and partner sites, ensuring project timeline management and key deliverables are met.

- Network Hardware & Infrastructure: Design, organize, modify, install, configure, and maintain LAN/WAN network hardware and software—including Cisco Nexus 9K switches, routers, access points, and FortiGate firewalls.

- Enterprise Security & Wireless: Manage network security end-to-end utilizing FortiGate firewalls, Cisco equipment, and Cisco Wireless systems (including Cisco ISE and DNA Center setup and troubleshooting).

- Vendor VPN & Site Connectivity: Dedicated to collaborating directly with external vendors to establish, test, and maintain secure VPN tunnels connecting vendor locations to RivianVWG facilities.

- Troubleshooting & Diagnostics: Serve as an expert escalation point capable of troubleshooting, analyzing, and diagnosing complex hardware, software, and routing issues under pressure.

- Support Request Prioritization: Analyze incoming support tickets and operational requests, prioritizing them effectively based on business impact and urgency.

- Cross-Functional Relationship Building: Develop positive, productive working relationships with remote IT team members, internal business units, and functions involved in downstream technical processes.

- Customer Support & Mentorship: Serve as a "teacher" to end users and junior staff, breaking down complex IT technologies and solutions into easy-to-understand concepts with a strong passion for helping users do their best work.

- Proactive Maintenance: Act as a true self-starter by actively seeking out impactful tasks, network optimizations, and continuous improvements during periods of low ticket volume.

SECONDARY FOCUS: AWS HYBRID CLOUD NETWORKING

- Cloud Routing & Interconnects: Support hybrid routing between physical facility networks and AWS environments using AWS Transit Gateway.

- Private Service Endpoints: Assist in deploying and maintaining AWS PrivateLink and Private VPC Endpoints to route sensitive vendor and facility traffic off the public internet.

- Hybrid DNS: Support unified cross-environment DNS resolution between local facilities and AWS using Amazon Route 53 (Hosted Zones and Resolvers).

- Network Observability: Basic usage of AWS Network Monitoring tools (VPC Flow Logs, CloudWatch Metrics, Transit Gateway Network Manager) to isolate cross-environment latency or connectivity bottlenecks.

QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

- Experience: At least 5 years (or relative experience) in a Systems or Network Support role where you have mastered the nuances of enterprise IT administration.

- Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.

- Travel: Ability and willingness to travel 40–50% overnight, including potential international travel (Mexico and Canada) to work directly with network vendors and local facility setups.

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

- Hardware & Systems (Primary): Hands-on experience with Cisco Nexus 9K, Cisco ISE, Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Wireless setup and troubleshooting, FortiGate Firewalls, Routers, Switches, Access Points, and LAN/WAN infrastructure.

- Cloud Networking (Secondary): Familiarity with AWS networking architecture, including Transit Gateway, Route 53, AWS PrivateLink, Private VPC Endpoints, and CloudWatch/Network Monitoring.

- Project Management: Familiarity with standard project management methodologies to drive installations and meet delivery deadlines.

CORE COMPETENCIES & SOFT SKILLS

- Tech-Savvy Learner: A continuous passion and aptitude for learning new tools, technologies, and methods quickly.

- Strong Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to articulate complex technical ideas clearly.

- Passion for Customer Support: A drive to help end users get what they need to do their jobs effectively, deriving genuine satisfaction from timely problem resolution.

- Teacher Mindset: Able to teach and empower others about IT solutions and technologies in an approachable, easy-to-understand way.

- Self-Starter & Prioritizer: Highly organized with strong prioritization skills and the initiative to drive tasks independently during downtime.

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…