Software Engineering Intern – Connected Systems Automation

Job Description

Software Engineering Intern, Connected Systems – 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. As a joint venture between two prominent industry leaders, the company is dedicated to defining the next era of automotive technology. They focus on developing advanced solutions for electric vehicles, ranging from core operating systems and zonal controllers to comprehensive cloud and connectivity solutions. This role is crucial in ensuring the reliability and functionality of these next-generation systems, with the intern directly contributing to validating vehicle access and connectivity features through hands-on work with cutting-edge vehicle systems and automated test setups.

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

• Team: Connected Systems Organization
• Mission: This intern will be an integral part of the Connected Systems Organization, applying classroom knowledge to a real-world environment by designing, building, and running automation that helps validate next-generation vehicle access and connectivity features for software-defined vehicles.
• Tech Stack: Python, pytest, C/C++, Git, Allure, Grafana

What You’ll Actually Do
• Script Development: Develop and execute automated test scripts across various vehicle platforms.
• Issue Resolution: Debug automation scripts and resolve hardware issues as they arise.
• Data Visualization: Create dashboards and visualizations to present test results effectively.
• Automation Implementation: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new automation solutions and optimize testing workflows.
• Test Bench Management: Support the setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of automated vehicle test benches under engineer supervision.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Demonstrated strong interest in automation, embedded systems, or vehicle technologies, indicating a foundational curiosity for the automotive software domain.
• Skills: Basic programming proficiency in Python, with exposure to pytest for testing frameworks. Understanding of object-oriented concepts is beneficial, and experience with C/C++ is a plus.
• Bonus: Prior experience with hardware interfacing, robotics, or other automation projects, whether from academic coursework or personal endeavors. Familiarity with version control tools like Git and exposure to CI/CD systems. Experience with data visualization tools such as Allure, Grafana, or creating custom dashboards. A proactive mindset, clear communication skills, and a willingness to learn from feedback are highly valued.