Staff Software Engineer, Infotainment Platform (AOSP)

at  Rivian and VW Group Technology

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:
The Infotainment team is at the core, reimagining what mobility can be. They are responsible for building the ecosystem that delivers a beautiful and intuitive in-vehicle experience to our drivers and passengers.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and customize Linux/Android services and embedded Android applications for compatibility across various Android versions and hardware.
• Design and enhance Android systems at the AOSP framework layer to improve performance, stability, and user experience.
• Implement and uphold best practices in embedded AOSP development, HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) customization, Android middleware, and the Linux kernel to ensure robust security and functionality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to system crashes, HAL, and Android middleware (drivers, libraries, and frameworks).
• Optimize and manage Android Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems to ensure smooth operation across multiple devices.
• Optimize AOSP components for various needs, including execution speed, RAM utilization, and code size.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, infrastructure, and application teams, to maintain and enhance the vehicle software stack.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated 8+ years of experience in developing embedded system software, from requirements gathering to implementation and maintenance.
• Proficiency in modern C, C++, and/or Java/Kotlin programming.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Bash and Python.
• Experience with POSIX-based embedded systems; preferred experience in Linux, QNX, and/or Android.
• Experience with SELinux to create, modify, and maintain Linux services for secure system operations.
• Be a self-starter who can navigate ambiguity, gather requirements, and translate them into actionable engineering plans.
• Preferred experience in infotainment systems or AOSP-based systems.
• Preferred experience with Linux kernel driver development.

Nice to Have:

• Deep knowledge of one or more technical areas, such as displays, cameras, graphics, power management, audio, and Bluetooth.
• Experience with low-level interfaces typical of embedded systems, such as I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, USB, PCIe, SDIO, UFS, and MDIO.
• Experience in security auditing and/or applying upstream security patches.

Pay Disclosure:
Salary Range/Hourly Rate for California Based Applicants: 186,000 USD - 232,000 USD (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. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
Company Statements:

• Develop and customize Linux/Android services and embedded Android applications for compatibility across various Android versions and hardware.
• Design and enhance Android systems at the AOSP framework layer to improve performance, stability, and user experience.
• Implement and uphold best practices in embedded AOSP development, HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) customization, Android middleware, and the Linux kernel to ensure robust security and functionality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to system crashes, HAL, and Android middleware (drivers, libraries, and frameworks).
• Optimize and manage Android Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems to ensure smooth operation across multiple devices.
• Optimize AOSP components for various needs, including execution speed, RAM utilization, and code size.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, infrastructure, and application teams, to maintain and enhance the vehicle software stack