Systems Integration Engineer- Audio

Location Palo Alto, California Employment Type Full time Location Type Hybrid Department Technology and Innovation Compensation $146.9K - $183.6K • Offers Equity • Offers Bonus The posted salary represents the lowest and highest ranges RV Tech reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position. Any posted salary range pertains only to the estimated starting pay for the role. Actual starting pay is based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, skillset, qualifications, specific competencies, relevant education, and location. 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 We are looking for a passionate and meticulous Systems Integration Engineer to craft the signature sound experience in our vehicles. This role is central to ensuring our audio features—from immersive music and media to crystal-clear voice commands and safety alerts—achieve the highest standard of quality and performance. You will be the critical link between software development and the in-vehicle experience. You'll be responsible for integrating complex audio software, developing sophisticated test environments, and performing the hands-on tuning and validation that transforms a good audio system into a great one. If you have a critical ear, love solving complex technical puzzles, and are obsessed with audio fidelity, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Responsibilities Develop Automation Frameworks:

Design and maintain a robust automation framework in Python to validate audio features, performance, and stability.

Scale Test Harnesses:

Build and manage hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) benches that accurately simulate the vehicle's acoustic and infotainment environment.

In-Vehicle Tuning & Testing:

Conduct hands-on subjective and objective audio tuning and validation in prototype and production vehicles. Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve integration issues related to audio quality and system performance.

Troubleshoot & Debug:

Perform deep-dive analysis of system logs and traces to debug complex issues related to audio drivers, DSP algorithms, media playback, and network streaming. Isolate issues related to pops/clicks, latency, and synchronization.

Voice & Microphone Performance:

Integrate and validate microphone array performance, Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), and Noise Reduction (NR) algorithms to ensure flawless hands-free calling and voice assistant reliability.

Define Quality Standards:

Collaborate with acoustic engineers and cross-functional partners to establish and enforce objective performance targets (THD+N, SNR, latency) and subjective quality benchmarks for all audio products.

Collaborate Cross-Functionally:

Partner closely with software developers, QA engineers, and hardware teams to define integration strategies, create detailed test plans, and ensure seamless feature delivery.

Documentation:

Create clear documentation for test cases, automation scripts, tuning results, and bug reports to ensure reproducibility and knowledge sharing. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. 3-5+ years of experience in software integration, audio engineering, or system validation, preferably in an automotive or consumer electronics environment. Strong proficiency in a scripting language, particularly Python, for automation and data analysis. Experience working with embedded operating systems such as QNX, Android, or Linux and using shell scripting for system-level debugging. A deep understanding of digital audio principles and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) concepts (EQ, compression, limiters, crossovers, delay). Hands-on experience with objective audio measurement tools (e.g., Audio Precision, HEAD acoustics, spectrum analyzers) to evaluate system performance. Proven debugging and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical challenges across the entire audio signal path. A valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Preferred Qualifications Experience tuning and validating advanced audio features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE). Familiarity with audio-related technologies and protocols, such as Bluetooth (A2DP, HFP), Wi-Fi, and media streaming. Knowledge of automotive communication networks like CAN, LIN, or Automotive Ethernet (AVB/TSN) and analysis tools (e.g., CANoe, Wireshark). Experience with CI/CD pipelines and tools like Jenkins or GitLab. A critical ear for music and audio quality, with experience in subjective listening tests and audio evaluation. Total Rewards Total compensation packages for full-time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity. In addition, our benefits package has been designed to support the health and wellness of our employees. External candidates can apply for this role through the RV Tech Careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). 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 note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.