Embedded Software Intern – Vehicle Electronics

Job Description

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

The Tone:
This is a full-time internship at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, located in Palo Alto, CA or Irvine, CA. The company is a joint venture between two automotive leaders, dedicated to defining the future of software-defined vehicles through advanced technology. This role is crucial for developing the foundational software stack that powers vehicle electronics, directly impacting next-generation vehicle platforms. Interns will contribute to technology that sets new standards for operating systems, zonal controllers, and cloud/connectivity solutions in electric vehicles worldwide.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Palo Alto, CA or Irvine, CA
• Mission: Design, implement, and debug core software for vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and embedded Linux/RTOS environments to contribute to next-generation vehicle platforms.
• Tech Stack: C++, Python, Shell, Go, 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 vehicle users.
• Collaborate: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Charging, Body Controls, and Electrical Engineering/Hardware teams, on software initiatives.
• Debug: Debug core software running on ECUs and embedded Linux/RTOS environments and contribute to board bring-up efforts for next-generation vehicle platforms.

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