Staff Electronic Design Engineer - Zonal ECU

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.

About the role

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 localized 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.).

Requirements

• 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 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 Cadence and Altium.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and eligibility to participate in our annual company performance bonus program (payments are discretionary and depend on company results).
• Eligibility for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and vesting requirements.
• Comprehensive benefits package supporting health, wellbeing, and financial future, including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs (offerings vary by country).

Pay

Compensation range: $154,000 - $212,000 per year.