---
title: 'Staff Electronic Design Engineer - Zonal ECU at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/staff-electronic-design-engineer-zonal-ecu-rivian-and-volkswagen-group-xww0nmhp7xjf'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-13'
---

# Staff Electronic Design Engineer - Zonal ECU at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

- **Company:** [Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies](https://feeny.ai/companies/rivian-and-volkswagen-group-technologies)
- **Location:** Irvine, CA
- **Compensation:** $154k–$212k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-04-27
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/rivianvw.tech/dbe24d80-c680-42a5-8891-da76edabe921/application

**Skills:** Electronic Hardware Design, ECU Design, Low-Voltage Zonal Control, Power Electronics, Solid-State Circuit eFUSE Design, PMIC Design, Signal Integrity, PCB Layout, CAN Bus, SPI Bus, Ethernet, Analog/Digital I/O, Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, Logic Analyzers, Automotive EMC/EMI Design, Automotive Industry Experience, Electromechanical Systems, Tier 1 Supplier Processes, Automotive Design Standards

> Lead the full hardware design lifecycle for battery-management and zonal ECU systems in next-generation vehicles. Design, prototype, and validate low-voltage zonal control modules, power electronics, and PMICs while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

## Job description

## 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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

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 Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.

If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment. Please see our https://assets.ctfassets.net/2md5qhoeajym/53otRWdzXPzSdWPgiel5T/07c61b0eed2d91f2f403f788fd20d315/RVTech_Candidate_Data_Privacy_Notice_-_Nov_2024.pdf and https://assets.ctfassets.net/2md5qhoeajym/40xUZMehbGToclkLqWXW0E/eb5b553bd8af7c607066253fbb227bda/RVTech_Candidate_Data_Privacy_Notice_-_Nov_2024_Serbian.pdf for more information. -- Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.

## About Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech) is a joint venture developing next-generation electrical architectures and software-defined vehicle platforms for the Volkswagen Group and Rivian.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Joint Venture; 50/50 owned by Rivian and Volkswagen Group)
- **Headquarters**: Palo Alto, California, United States
- **Founded**: November 13, 2024
- **Founders**: Joint venture co-led by Wassym Bensaid (Rivian Chief Software Officer) and Carsten Helbing (Volkswagen Group Chief Technology Officer); established through a transaction agreement between Rivian and Volkswagen Group.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Automotive technology, software development for software-defined vehicles (SDVs)
- **Target customers**: B2B – primarily the Volkswagen Group (brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Scout) and Rivian; potential licensing to other automakers
- **Mission or purpose statement**: To address the challenges of electric vehicles through technologies that set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world, combining Rivian’s software and electrical hardware expertise with Volkswagen Group’s global scale and vehicle platform competencies.

## Products & Services
- **Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Architecture**: A modular zonal electronic architecture featuring powerful central computers that control all vehicle functions, enabling over-the-air updates, advanced infotainment, and highly automated driving features. This platform is designed to scale across multiple vehicle segments and brands.
- **Zonal Controllers & Operating Systems**: Rivian’s proven zonal hardware design (reducing ECUs and wiring complexity) integrated with a unified software stack that supports continuous updates and cloud connectivity.
- **Cloud & Connectivity Solutions**: Cloud-based services for vehicle data, remote diagnostics, and lifecycle software updates.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (joint venture; total committed investment from Volkswagen Group up to $5.8 billion by 2027, including $1 billion initial convertible note, $1.3 billion equity at closing, and up to $3.5 billion milestone-based funding).
- **Key Metric**: Total committed investment: $5.8 billion; Employee count: ~1,500 (as of late 2025, with 108.4% YoY growth).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN), Volkswagen Group (XETRA: VOW / VOW3). Co-owned equally by both parent companies.
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Rapidly built an international development team of 1,500+ employees within one year.
  - Successfully integrated Rivian’s zonal hardware into a Volkswagen test vehicle in just 12 weeks.
  - Winter testing of reference vehicles for Volkswagen, Audi, and Scout brands scheduled for Q1 2026.
  - First production vehicles using RV Tech’s architecture expected in 2027 (Volkswagen ID.EVERY1) and 2028 (Audi).
  - Rivian’s R2, R3, and R3X will also leverage the joint venture’s technology.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unique combination of expertise**: Rivian’s industry-leading software and electrical architecture married with Volkswagen Group’s massive manufacturing scale and global reach.
- **Speed of execution**: Demonstrated ability to produce a drivable demonstrator vehicle in 12 weeks.
- **Scalable platform**: The SDV architecture is designed to serve multiple brands, segments, and price points, potentially covering up to 30 million vehicles per year on Volkswagen’s future SSP platform.
- **Cost efficiency**: Shared development costs and reduced R&D expenditure for both parents, with a focus on lowering production costs for EVs.

## Strategic Focus
- **Current priorities**: Complete development and validation of the zonal SDV architecture through winter testing in early 2026; prepare for series production integration with Volkswagen Group brands (ID.EVERY1, Scout Traveler/Terra, Audi model) and Rivian’s R2 launch in 2026.
- **Direction for growth**: Expand the technology to additional automakers (several have expressed interest); deepen collaboration with Volkswagen Group brands on the SSP platform; scale the international team and open new development sites in Europe and North America.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture highlights**: Fast-paced, collaborative environment at the intersection of two automotive and technology giants. Emphasis on innovation at scale, diverse collaboration, and global impact. Co-led by top technical leaders from both parent companies.
- **Remote/hybrid/office policy**: Teams are based in Palo Alto (HQ), with additional sites in Irvine (CA), Berlin (Germany), and offices in Canada, Sweden, and Serbia. Hybrid work likely, but specific policy not publicly detailed.
- **Notable perks or engineering culture**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge SDV technology that will power millions of future EVs. Engineers get to shape the architecture from the ground up, with access to Rivian’s proven software stack and Volkswagen’s industrial resources. High growth trajectory (team more than doubled in its first year). Active job postings (126 as of mid-2026) across software engineering, systems, and leadership roles.

## Sources
1. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivian_and_Volkswagen_Group_Technologies)
2. [Volkswagen Group Press Release – Launch](https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/press-releases/faster-leaner-more-efficient-rivian-and-volkswagen-group-announce-the-launch-of-their-joint-venture-18828)
3. [Volkswagen Group Press Release – One Year Anniversary](https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/press-releases/one-year-after-its-founding-joint-venture-between-volkswagen-group-and-rivian-shows-strong-progress-19980)
4. [LinkedIn Company Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rivian-and-vw-group-technologies)
5. [Company Website](https://rivianvw.tech/)

## Other roles at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

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- [Systems Test and Integration Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-test-and-integration-engineer-rivian-and-volkswagen-group-technologies-3v0x6cgat6my) — Irvine, CA
- [Senior Counsel, Commercial](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-counsel-commercial-rivian-and-volkswagen-group-technologies-palo-alto-yg8eym3kb3ax) — Palo Alto, CA
- [Senior Advanced Development Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-advanced-development-engineer-rivian-and-volkswagen-group-technologies-5v3qrwp6tt5r) — Irvine, CA
- [Identity & Access Management Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/identity-access-management-engineer-rivian-and-volkswagen-group-technologies-6vsw0cbc7d1f) — Belgrade, Serbia
- [Sr. Network Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-network-engineer-rivian-and-volkswagen-group-technologies-belgrade-gq06t6v2z38j) — Belgrade, Serbia
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- [Data Engineering Intern - AI & Analytics (January - August 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/data-engineering-intern-ai-analytics-january-august-2027-rivian-and-volkswagen-j38yzygma335) — Palo Alto, CA
- [Staff Software Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-software-systems-engineer-rivian-and-volkswagen-group-technologies-irvine-va8kg2sr7sdf) — Irvine, CA
- [Electromechanical Design Engineering Intern (January - August 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/electromechanical-design-engineering-intern-january-august-2027-rivian-and-9tfj299tqzpy) — Irvine, CA