Staff Electronic Design Engineer - Zonal ECU

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 Staff Electronic Design Engineer, Zonal, you will play a key role in the development of cutting-edge battery-management and zonal hardware which serves as the backbone for power distribution and control functions in our next-generation vehicles. We're looking for a hands-on engineer with a solid foundation in electrical engineering, a passion for innovation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Your contributions will directly influence the performance, safety, and efficiency of future software-defined vehicles.

This role is a hybrid position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead the full hardware design lifecycle - from concept and requirements definition to schematic capture, layout, validation, and production.

- Design, prototype, and validate robust ECU low-voltage zonal control modules for automotive applications..

- Tackle power electronics challenges, including solid-state circuit eFUSE design and distributed localize power , PMIC design, Power Sequence, Sleep states, MCU allocation.

- Ensure signal integrity and interface compatibility across PCBs, sensors, actuators, and communication buses (CAN, SPI, Ethernet, analog/digital I/O).

- Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, thermal, software, vehicle dynamics, manufacturing, validation, and supply chain teams.

- Evaluate and integrate new components and technologies (e.g., microcontrollers, high-side drivers, motor drivers), including working with suppliers to co-develop custom solutions.

- Apply EMC best practices throughout design to ensure compliance and system robustness.

- Conduct root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and failure investigations on PCBAs and electronic subsystems.

- Support system integration and validation across build phases — Proto, EVT, DVT, and vehicle-level testing.

- Ensure compliance with functional safety and regulatory standards (ISO 26262, FUSA, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

- 8+ years of experience in electronic hardware design, preferably in the automotive industry.

- Strong foundation in EE fundamentals; experience with electromechanical systems is a plus.

- Experience designing for automotive environments, including understanding of hardware/software development life cycles.

- Knowledge of Tier 1 supplier processes, manufacturing constraints, and automotive design standards.

- Familiarity with automotive EMC/EMI design is the best practices.

- Hands-on experience with lab tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, and similar.

- Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and component release workflows is a plus.

- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset toward continuous improvement.

- Experience with Schematic Capture EDA such as Cadance and Altium

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].

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