Embedded Software Intern

Job Description

Software Engineering Intern, Embedded Platforms – Fall 2026 | Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

The Tone:
This is an internship at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, located in Palo Alto, CA or Irvine, CA. The company is a joint venture dedicated to addressing the challenges of electric vehicles by developing foundational technology, from operating systems to cloud solutions, to establish new standards for software-defined vehicles worldwide. This role is crucial for creating a more connected, intelligent, and sustainable future, as you will design, implement, and debug core software for next-generation vehicle platforms and electronics. You will directly contribute to the software stack for verification and board bring-up efforts.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Palo Alto, CA or Irvine, CA

• Mission: Design, implement, and debug core software running on ECUs and embedded Linux/RTOS environments for next-generation vehicle platforms.
• Tech Stack: C++, Python, Shell, Go, Embedded Linux, RTOS, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C

What You’ll Actually Do
• Design: Design, develop, and deploy embedded software on Linux/Android and/or Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) for electronic hardware.
• Implement: Contribute to the implementation and optimization of Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs) for vehicle hardware interaction.
• Build: Design and build highly complex systems spanning multiple domains that bring improved functionality and better performance to how users interact with our vehicles.
• Collaborate: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Charging, Body Controls, and EE/Hardware teams, on software initiatives.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program at an accredited US university, actively pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field with the intent to return to school following the completion of the internship.
• Experience: Experience in Embedded Software Development and understanding of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) fundamentals.
• Skills: Proficiency in C++, experience with scripting languages (Python, Shell, Go), and experience with interface protocols (CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C).
• Bonus: Familiarity with embedded Linux environments, kernel-level development, automotive communication protocols, or experience in automotive systems and applications.