Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies
Sr Software Engineer in Test
Palo Alto, Santa Clara County · Senior · Full-time
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odds of building a lasting career here
Sponsors, but it's cap-subject — you still face the weighted lottery (~61% per draw at Level IV). Good if you win; have a cap-exempt backup on your list.
Lottery odds assume a STEM candidate.
Personalize to your clock →H-1B wage level
the lottery is wage-weighted — each level is one more entry
$13,134 more — $159,744 — moves this role to Level III and 3 lottery entries. That figure is inside the range the employer already advertised.
Based on the DOL prevailing wage for this occupation and worksite, a base salary of $159,744 would place this position at wage Level III. That figure is within the posted range, and I'd like to target it. This role classifies under "Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers" for prevailing-wage purposes.
DOL prevailing wage, 2026-27 wage year · Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers (15-1253) · San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA. Wage level is derived by USCIS from the offered wage, occupation and worksite; the occupation shown is inferred from the job title.
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Sourced from Department of Labor LCA, PERM and prevailing-wage disclosure data. Employer matching is by name, so figures may be split across an employer's legal entities. Absence of a filing means none appears in our copy of the data, not that none exists.
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About the role
- 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.
- By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we'll map a new way forward.
- As the team is still small, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the team's direction, establish best practices, and eventually grow into more senior positions.
Responsibilities
- Framework Architecture: Architect, develop, and optimize a scalable and maintainable testing framework in different layers - unit, integration, E2E and product monitoring (potentially building upon or integrating with existing "MARS" framework) - tailored for the complexities of automotive plant MES and vehicle software commissioning tools.
- Best Practices and Guidelines: Define and document comprehensive test guidelines, best practices, and standards for the E2E validation team and broader engineering organization.
- Workflow and Execution: Design and implement efficient workflows for tracking the proper execution of testing activities, including test planning, execution, defect management, and reporting.
- Test Result Analysis and Root Cause: Expertly evaluate test results, perform in-depth analysis of failures, and collaborate closely with software development teams to effectively root cause and resolve defects.
- Architect, develop, and optimize a scalable and maintainable testing framework in different layers - unit, integration, E2E and product monitoring (potentially building upon or integrating with existing "MARS" framework) - tailored for the complexities of automotive plant MES and vehicle software commissioning tools.
- Define and document comprehensive test guidelines, best practices, and standards for the E2E validation team and broader engineering organization.
- Design and implement efficient workflows for tracking the proper execution of testing activities, including test planning, execution, defect management, and reporting.
- Expertly evaluate test results, perform in-depth analysis of failures, and collaborate closely with software development teams to effectively root cause and resolve defects.
- We build the exceptional - and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in software testing, with a significant focus on system integration and E2E validation.
- Strong understanding and practical experience with system engineering practices, including requirements authoring, failure analysis methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys), and comprehensive test development.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing robust test frameworks and automation strategies for complex systems.
- Proficiency with database technologies such as SQL Server and Postgres.
- Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS), containerization technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker), and networking principles.
- Strong proficiency in Python language, Playwright and PyTest test framework
- Experience with GitLab and Argo CI/CD system
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
Nice to have
- Experience within the manufacturing, automotive, or equivalent complex, 24/7 operational industries is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in testing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and their integration with other enterprise systems is a strong plus.
- Experience with the software lifecycle and deployment considerations within automotive manufacturing environments is a strong plus as well.
- Understanding of vehicle diagnostics, configuration, and software flashing processes is an advantage.
- Experience in testing automotive commissioning tools and processes is highly preferred.
Compensation
- $147k-$220k
Benefits
- In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.
- 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.
- Learn more about our global benefit programs.
- Traceability and Governance: Establish and enforce end-to-end traceability of requirements, code changes, and test cases to ensure comprehensive validation coverage and facilitate impact analysis.
Company info
- Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive's next chapter.
- The road to the future is uncharted.
- Working together, we'll create a future that's more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.
- Role Summary
- Rivian VW Tech is forging the future of electric mobility, and we are building a world-class team to develop and integrate cutting-edge manufacturing systems.
- We are seeking an experienced and motivated Sr Software Engineer in Test to be the foundational member to join our End-to-End (E2E) Validation team.
- This critical role will be instrumental in creating tools and infrastructure for validating our 24/7 Manufacturing Systems integration across Rivian and Volkswagen technologies - which enable us to move fast and be confident the deployed system is of high quality.
- As the Sr Software Engineer in Test, you will be creating test frameworks, test infrastructure as well as production monitoring systems in collaboration with DevOps and development teams.
- Leveraging a first-principles mindset and industry best practices, you will architect, design and implement validation software with the option to use AI-assisted tools as well.
- This role requires a strong technical background, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse engineering teams.
- This role is located out of our Palo Alto, California Office and reports directly to the Sr.
- Staff Software Engineer.
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.
Visa & Work Authorization
- We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status
This listing is sourced directly from Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.