Staff Engineer, Motor Controls Algorithm and Analytics

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

The staff engineer leads and contributes to the development and verification of motor controls algorithms and their performance in the EPC (Electric Power Conversion) team. They are responsible for continuously improving the team's technical excellence, discipline, and flexibility to ensure high-quality software deliverables, timely integration of software, operational efficiency, and field performance review via cloud big data for both fault diagnostics and predictive prognostics.

• Develop advanced motor control algorithms and calibrations for high power electric drive system
• Develop big data analytical tools to assess, improve, and achieve full robustness of inverter fault handling and advanced motor control features, and complete troubleshooting and root cause analysis (in collaboration with cross-functional hardware and reliability team)
• Develop cross-functional vehicle-level controls features and meet functional safety (FUSA) requirements
• Lead the requirement definition of advanced motor controls and cross-functional vehicle-level features
• Design algorithms, perform simulation and analysis, and work with cross-functional teams
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test cases for controls and software development
• Plan and perform algorithm testing in HIL, high-voltage dynamometer, and vehicle test environments
• Stay abreast of new technologies, competitive methods, and products
• Submit patents and trade secrets to advance Rivian's Intellectual Property portfolio in the field of propulsion drive controls
• Design and implement Prognostics and Health Management algorithms alongside fault diagnostics to estimate the remaining useful life of motor drive components
• Analyze long-term degradation trends from field data to transition fault handling from reactive troubleshooting to proactive predictive maintenance

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with dissertation research in advanced motor control algorithm design
• 5+ years of experience in algorithm design and testing in the EV industry or equivalent experience
• Expert in the theory and principle of AC electric machine drive and three-phase switching power converter topologies
• Strong data analysis background and programming skills in Python and SQL, and familiarity with modern data stack tools like Databricks.
• Strong teamwork skills, data presentation, problem-solving attitude, and project planning in collaboration with project managers
• Expert in developing digital control algorithms for 3-phase switching power converters and AC electric machines
• Fluency in Model-based design using Matlab/Simulink, modeling and simulation of electric drives, and inverter fault handling
• Strong C and C++ programming languages
• Excellent interpersonal skills in a fast-paced team with full autonomy
• Strong hands-on experience in high voltage/power/speed laboratory/vehicle environment, as well as vehicle ECU interfaces and tools
• Experience with a software testing platform, including HIL tests and unit tests

The salary range for this role is USD 135,100-168,900 for Southern California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than February 6, 2026.

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. 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.

Rivian 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.

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