Role SummaryThe Audio Group at Rivian is responsible for in-vehicle acoustics, media and infotainment playback, Chimes, voice UI, and custom audio hardware. We have a deep passion for sound quality and technical excellence. Rivian is seeking an
Audio Software QA Engineer to design, build, and maintain our automated software test framework.
In this role, you will take full ownership of software-based audio validation, ensuring that our Audio Weaver DSP signal chains, Linux/Android audio HALs, chime systems, and media routing perform flawlessly across software releases. You will bridge the gap between software development, DSP engineering, and vehicle release management, acting as the ultimate gatekeeper for Rivian's audio software quality.
ResponsibilitiesTest Automation Framework Development:- Design, build, and maintain scalable automated test frameworks (using Python, C/C++, or Robot Framework) for vehicle audio software regression testing.
- Integrate automated audio test scripts into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab) for automated build verification and regression testing.
- Develop automated audio signal analysis tools (e.g., automated THD, SNR, frequency response, and latency measurements using Audio Precision or SoundCheck APIs).
- Execute functional, regression, integration, smoke, and exploratory testing
- Design, author, maintain, and structure detailed test cases, test scenarios, and run lists within TestRail
Infotainment & Audio Software Validation:- Validate end-to-end audio software stacks across Android Automotive, Linux, and RTOS environments, including
- Audio HAL, Audio Weaver DSP binaries, and media routing.
- Perform functional and regression testing for critical vehicle audio features, including chime prioritization, voice assistant capture (Alexa/Rivian Voice UI), telephony, and media playback.
- Collaborate with the System Software team to debug audio driver, HAL, and platform bring-up issues on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test rigs.
Bug Triage, Root-Cause Analysis, & Reporting:- Analyze automated test execution reports, triage failures, and isolate root causes between software algorithms, OS audio routing, and physical hardware.
- Provide detailed bug reports with captured audio traces, logs, and reproduction steps; work directly with DSP and Software Engineers to resolve issues.
- Define and execute software release criteria for audio software packages prior to vehicle Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.
Cross-Functional Quality Collaboration:- Partner with the Audio Systems Test Integration Engineer to execute software test suites on physical lab benches and rigs.
- Work alongside DSP and Hardware Engineers during new feature bring-up to establish test strategies and acceptance criteria early in the software development lifecycle.
- Familiarity with product life cycles in a fast-paced automotive environment
Qualifications- Experience: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Audio Engineering, or related discipline and 3+ years of professional experience in software QA, audio test automation, or embedded software validation.
- Programming & Scripting: High proficiency in Python and C/C++; familiarity with MATLAB or bash scripting.
- OS & Platform Depth: Demonstrated experience testing audio on Linux, Android (Android Audio HAL / ALSA), or QNX/RTOS platforms.
- Audio Tooling: Experience with Audio Weaver, Audio Precision (APx API), SoundCheck, or similar acoustic analysis software.
- Education: Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Audio Engineering, or a related field.
- Nice to Have: Critical listening skills; experience with CI/CD automation tools; knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, A2B, Ethernet).
Pay DisclosureThe salary range for this role is $117,000-$146,000 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 an 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.
