Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies
Sr. Electronic Design Engineer, Zonal
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306
Overview
Sr. Electronic Design Engineer, Zonal role at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies. About us: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture focused on software-defined vehicles, with expertise across operating systems, zonal controllers, cloud, and connectivity solutions for electric vehicles. Role Summary
As a Senior Electronic Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the development of cutting-edge zonal hardware that serves as the backbone for power distribution, fault tolerance, and control functions in our next-generation vehicles. We are seeking a hands-on engineer with a solid foundation in electrical engineering, a passion for innovation, self-motivation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Your contributions will influence the performance, safety, and efficiency of future software-defined vehicles. Responsibilities
Lead the full hardware design lifecycle - from concept, safety decomposition, and requirements definition to schematic capture, layout, validation, and production. Design, prototype, and validate robust low-voltage zonal control modules for automotive applications. Tackle power electronics challenges, including solid-state circuit breaker design and distributed DC-DC converters for efficient power delivery. 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. 3+ 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 an 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 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. Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. Pay Disclosure
Salary Range for
Southern California Based Candidates : $121,500 - $151,900 (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 employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. 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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian and VW Group Technologies may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data as part of the recruitment process, including for background checks and employment considerations. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice for more information. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.
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Sr. Electronic Design Engineer, Zonal role at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies. About us: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture focused on software-defined vehicles, with expertise across operating systems, zonal controllers, cloud, and connectivity solutions for electric vehicles. Role Summary
As a Senior Electronic Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the development of cutting-edge zonal hardware that serves as the backbone for power distribution, fault tolerance, and control functions in our next-generation vehicles. We are seeking a hands-on engineer with a solid foundation in electrical engineering, a passion for innovation, self-motivation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Your contributions will influence the performance, safety, and efficiency of future software-defined vehicles. Responsibilities
Lead the full hardware design lifecycle - from concept, safety decomposition, and requirements definition to schematic capture, layout, validation, and production. Design, prototype, and validate robust low-voltage zonal control modules for automotive applications. Tackle power electronics challenges, including solid-state circuit breaker design and distributed DC-DC converters for efficient power delivery. 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. 3+ 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 an 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 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. Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. Pay Disclosure
Salary Range for
Southern California Based Candidates : $121,500 - $151,900 (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 employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. 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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian and VW Group Technologies may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data as part of the recruitment process, including for background checks and employment considerations. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice for more information. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.
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