Software Engineering Intern, Vehicle Controls
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies
This job at a glance
- Who can apply
- New grads and up to 1 year · Bachelor's degree
- Must know
- Data structures & algorithmsPythonC++
- Nice to have
- Embedded systemsMATLAB
- Work
- On-site in Palo Alto · internship
- Pay
- Not stated by the employer.
- Skill demand
- Python70%C++46%Data structures & algorithms28%Embedded systems26%of 50 similar entry-level jobs posted in the US this week
- Listed
- Nov 11, 2026 · still open
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About the Role
This is a general application for multiple Software Engineering Intern openings on Vehicle Controls teams. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture focused on the future of software-defined vehicles. Interns will be matched to a specific team based on background and interests. The internship is full-time from January 11, 2027, to August 13, 2027.
Role Summary
As a Vehicle Controls intern, you will work on embedded software or controls algorithms for various vehicle domains including propulsion and dynamics, energy storage and charging, thermal and HVAC systems, body controls, functional safety, or systems engineering and test automation.
Specific Project Areas May Include
- Implementing and validating embedded software for battery management, charging, or energy distribution systems
- Developing controls software for thermal and HVAC systems, body controls, or lighting
- Contributing to vehicle dynamics or propulsion controls algorithms
- Supporting functional safety analysis and requirements for safety-critical vehicle software
- Building and running automated tests in Unit, Software in the Loop (SIL), or Hardware in the Loop (HIL) environments
- Working on systems engineering tasks such as requirements definition, architecture, or homologation
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and test embedded software or controls algorithms for an assigned vehicle domain
- Write production-quality code in C or C++, with Python used for test tooling
- Collaborate with systems engineers and test engineers to validate features
- Support test execution in SIL, HIL, or bench environments and debug issues
- Communicate progress and technical tradeoffs to the team
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Proficiency in C or C++
- Some exposure to Python
Qualifications
Minimum:
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program at an accredited US university
Preferred:
- Actively pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field, with intent to return to school after the internship
- Coursework or project experience with embedded systems, control theory, or real-time operating systems
- Familiarity with automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, or Automotive Ethernet
- Exposure to MATLAB and Simulink for controls modeling
- Interest or coursework in functional safety concepts such as ISO 26262