Role SummaryThe Audio Engineering team at Rivian is responsible for designing, tuning, and validating world-class sound experiences across our electric vehicle lineup. We are seeking an Audio DSP & Tuning Engineer to own and advance our core audio DSP architectures, signal processing algorithms, and cabin acoustic tuning. Working directly alongside our Senior Staff DSP Architect, you will play a central role in designing Audio Weaver signal chains, developing complex tuning topologies, integrating immersive audio formats (for example, Dolby Atmos), and protecting electro-acoustic hardware through robust dynamic processing. You are a seasoned audio engineer who pairs rigorous measurement techniques with highly refined critical listening skills to deliver exceptional cabin acoustics for current and next-generation Rivian platforms.
Responsibilities1. Audio DSP Signal Flow & Architecture Design- Design, build, and maintain real-time audio DSP signal flows and block topologies in DSP Concepts Audio Weaver across heterogeneous vehicle amplifier platforms and SOC/DSP targets.
- Architect and optimize signal processing chains for active crossover alignment, parametric equalization, spatial audio rendering, and delay compensation.
- Collaborate with System Software to integrate Audio Weaver binaries and controls into Android Automotive and Linux audio HAL environments.
2. Cabin Tuning & Immersive Audio Experience- Lead full-vehicle acoustic tuning passes, combining objective electro-acoustic measurement with subjective expert critical listening to achieve target frequency responses, spatial imaging, and tonal balance.
- Implement, calibrate, and tune multi-channel 3D/immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and spatial audio rendering pipelines, ensuring optimized channel allocation and room responses.
- Formulate and execute subjective tuning benchmarks and target curve definitions across different vehicle interiors, trim levels, and speaker layouts.
3. System Protection, Dynamics & Hardware Alignment- Design and calibrate audio dynamic processing algorithms-including multi-band limiters, compressors, peak limiters, and transducer excursion management filters-to maximize system acoustic output while protecting electro-acoustic transducers and amplifiers from thermal or mechanical overload.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of audio hardware capabilities and physical limitations (transducer excursion, amplifier rail voltages, impedance curves) and factor these directly into DSP tuning and protection strategies.
4. Electro-Acoustic Measurement & Benchmarking- Lead complex electrical and acoustic measurement sweeps across vehicles and lab benches using industry-standard platforms (Audio Precision APx, SoundCheck, CLIO, REW) and custom solutions (based on Matlab, Python, etc.).
- Apply deep knowledge of measurement methods (e.g., swept sine, MLS, noise-based, THD+N vs. SPL) and select the appropriate tools, spatial averaging techniques, and windowing methods based on specific acoustic or electrical challenges.
- Perform competitive benchmarking and acoustic transfer function analysis across target vehicle cabins.
5. Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration- Partner with Transducer, Mic Systems, and Electronics leads to ensure end-to-end hardware-software alignment throughout the development cycle.
- Work closely with Audio QA Engineers to establish objective automated test metrics for DSP algorithms, signal routing, and dynamic limits.
- Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and collaborative design review to junior and peer team members.
6. Audio Atttributes Specifications- Lead the specification and validation of system-level audio attributes requirements for vehicle audio systems
Qualifications- Experience: Typically requires 7+ years of professional audio DSP and tuning experience. Leveling (RIV-6 Manager/Senior Engineer or RIV-7 Expert/Staff) will be evaluated based on technical depth, architectural ownership, and industry track record.
- DSP & Software Tooling: Expert proficiency in DSP Concepts Audio Weaver; strong familiarity with MATLAB, C/C++, or Python for audio algorithm simulation and data analysis.
- Tuning & Immersive Audio: Demonstrated experience tuning vehicle or high-end consumer audio systems; hands-on experience integrating and tuning Dolby Atmos or spatial audio rendering frameworks.
- Acoustic Measurement Systems: Deep, hands-on experience with acoustic and electrical measurement platforms (Audio Precision, SoundCheck, CLIO, REW) and measurement methodologies (swept sine, noise, THD+N, transfer function analysis
- System Protection & Dynamics:Proven experience configuring and tuning multi-band limiters, compressors, and dynamic range controllers aligned with transducer electro-acoustic limits.
- Critical Listening: Extensive highly developed critical listening skills and golden-ear subjective evaluation capabilities.
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Audio Engineering, Acoustics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
Pay DisclosureThe salary range for this role is $186,000 - $296,000 for Palo Alto, CA 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.
