Sr. Staff Technical Program Manager, Vehicle Systems Architecture
rivianvw.tech
Palo Alto, California · Palo Alto · United States
Posted Apr 27, 2026
- Full-time
- Hybrid
- Technology and Innovation
rivianvw.tech
Palo Alto, California · Palo Alto · United States
Posted Apr 27, 2026
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 As a Staff Technical Program Manager for Vehicle Systems Architecture, you will serve as the primary execution partner to the Vehicle Systems Architecture lead. You will be responsible for translating the holistic technical vision for the vehicle architecture into a single, integrated program plan and driving its execution across all engineering functions. This role is the critical link between high-level strategy and tactical delivery, requiring a deep technical foundation, mastery of complex program management, and the ability to orchestrate a wide array of cross-functional teams to deliver a cohesive and world-class product. RESPONSIBILITIES - Serve as the right hand to the Vehicle Systems Architecture lead, translating the high-level technical vision and architectural strategy into a detailed, cross-functional, and actionable program plan. - Drive the definition, prioritization, and maintenance of the overall vehicle technical roadmap in close collaboration with all cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring alignment with top-level product goals. - Create and manage the integrated master plan for all key vehicle system deliverables, working with engineering partners to break down complex initiatives into clear execution plans with well-defined milestones and dependencies. - Act as a key technical liaison and accountability partner with key RV Tech stakeholders, including: Rivian, Volkswagen Group, industry partners, to align roadmaps and architecture deliverables. - Establish and refine processes and communication channels to boost execution efficiency, foster seamless cross-functional collaboration, and provide a single source of truth for program status. - Be the primary owner for identifying and managing vehicle-level technical risks, cross-functional dependencies and program trade-offs. You will proactively surface issues, drive mitigation plans, and provide clear escalations to leadership. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications: - BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field. - 6+ years of progressive Technical Program Management experience, with a proven track record of shipping complex products that integrate hardware, software, and mechanical systems. - Proven experience in leading real-time, safety critical embedded systems from concept through production. - Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively lead and influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. - Demonstrated experience bridging Agile and Waterfall development methodologies, with advanced proficiency in Jira, Confluence, and other program management tools. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with complex system architectures (automotive, autonomous driving, new space, robotics, etc). - Previous experience as a software or hardware product development engineer. - Deep understanding of embedded software architectures for real-time operating systems (RTOS) and other resource-constrained embedded systems. - Familiarity with safety-critical development processes and standards (e.g., ISO 26262). TOTAL REWARDS We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program. Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. 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. In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs https://rvtech.mybenefits.life/. External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board https://app.ashbyhq.com/internal/job-board/b10a9912-eb45-4a84-9a34-84b2a459923a. 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 see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) https://assets.ctfassets.net/2md5qhoeajym/53otRWdzXPzSdWPgiel5T/07c61b0eed2d91f2f403f788fd20d315/RVTech_Candidate_Data_Privacy_Notice_-_Nov_2024.pdf and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) https://assets.ctfassets.net/2md5qhoeajym/40xUZMehbGToclkLqWXW0E/eb5b553bd8af7c607066253fbb227bda/RVTech_Candidate_Data_Privacy_Notice_-_Nov_2024_Serbian.pdf for more information. -- Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.