Sr. Manager, OTA Vehicle Engineering

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

$150K — $180K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in software development, integration, or architecture with 5+ years in a management role.
  • Proven success in leading cross-functional, multi-site teams from product inception to operational delivery.
  • Ability to simplify complexity in technical and organizational environments.
  • Experience with complex electromechanical systems in industries like aerospace, automotive, or robotics.
  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering and software development processes.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop the OTA vehicle engineering team across multiple locations.
  • Own the technical direction and architecture of the OTA update system.
  • Align OTA system capabilities with company-wide program needs.
  • Establish development processes, test automation, and operational KPIs for engineering teams.
  • Guide the OTA initiatives from conception to delivery on customer vehicles.
  • Identify and resolve technical and operational challenges within the OTA sector.

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary with potential performance bonuses.
  • Equity options through Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
  • Comprehensive health coverage and financial benefits.
  • Retirement savings plans and vacation time.
  • Family planning programs and related support services.
Full Job Description
Role Summary

RVT is redefining what a car can be by making continuous iteration and improvement core to the product. Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates are what make that model possible - allowing us to seamlessly and rapidly deliver the latest software to both engineering and customer vehicles. As a result, the OTA system sits on the critical path of RVT's entire development chain.

As Senior Manager of OTA Vehicle Engineering, you will lead the development of a highly cross-functional system at the intersection of hardware, software, manufacturing, service, and business operations. You will own the technical trajectory of the system, build the internal processes and institutions that allow it to scale, and balance the operational needs of today against the vision for tomorrow.

We are looking for a highly motivated leader who can operate credibly from the electrical layer to the business strategy layer, and who thrives in complex, ambiguous, high-stakes environments.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and grow the OTA vehicle engineering organization across multiple sites and time zones.
  • Own the technical direction and architecture of the OTA update system, spanning vehicle and infrastructure components.
  • Align OTA capabilities with company-wide program needs in partnership with hardware, software, manufacturing, service, and business operations.
  • Establish the development processes, test automation, and operational KPIs that keep engineers focused and productive.
  • Drive OTA initiatives from concept through operational delivery on customer vehicles.
  • Diagnose and remediate legacy technical, operational, and organizational debt within the OTA domain.
Leadership Qualifications
  • 8+ years in software development, integration, or architecture, including 5+ years managing engineers.
  • Track record of leading cross-functional, multi-site teams to deliver a customer-deployed product from inception through operational delivery.
  • Proven ability to bring order to a complex product and stakeholder network - technically, operationally, and organizationally.
  • Ability to reason across the full stack, from electrical systems to business strategy, and speak authoritatively at each level.
  • Experience leading teams that build software platforms for complex electromechanical systems (aerospace, automotive, defense, or robotics).
  • Experience with systems engineering and architectural development.
  • Experience establishing software development processes, test automation, and operational KPIs.
Technical Qualifications

Required
  • High-performance C++ and/or Rust applications for co-habitated POSIX systems.
  • Embedded software in C and/or Rust for real-time operating systems.
  • Experience Developing test automation software in Python and Go.

Preferred
  • Experience in developing software infrastructure Over the Air Updates on deployed products
  • Experience with automotive diagnostic protocols UDS, SOVD
  • Experience with automotive communication protocols CAN, LIN, Flexray, ETH-UDP, ISO-TP over ETH-TCP
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.

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.

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