Software Engineering Intern - Systems Engineering (Fall-Spring Co-op)

About the Company

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture created by two major automotive brands to shape the next era of vehicle software. The company focuses on systems such as operating systems, zonal controllers, cloud connectivity, and other technologies that support software-defined electric vehicles worldwide.

Its mission is to help solve the technical challenges of electric mobility by combining strengths in connectivity, artificial intelligence, security, and related areas to build safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation.

Role Overview

As a Software Engineering Intern on the Vehicle Architecture & Controls team, you will contribute to the development and validation of low-level embedded software that powers essential vehicle functions. The work may involve energy storage and distribution, power mode logic, and motion-control foundations. This position requires strong grounding in real-time programming and systems fundamentals, with a focus on the safety and dependability of electronic control units.

Program Duration and Onsite Requirement

The co-op runs from September 21, 2026 to April 23, 2027. Candidates must be able to work from the Yaletown office in Vancouver for the entire duration of the placement.

Responsibilities

You will help build and verify embedded software for important vehicle systems and collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver reliable functionality.

• Develop and validate low-level embedded code for core vehicle platforms, including battery and energy management systems.
• Create features for low-voltage and high-voltage systems, with emphasis on power distribution, current management, DC/DC control, and fault detection and recovery.
• Contribute to software architectures that are scalable, efficient, and designed for strong embedded reliability.
• Expand automated testing coverage by creating test components for unit tests, SIL, and HIL environments.
• Work with systems engineers to define requirements and with test engineers to debug, validate, and release algorithms.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at an accredited Canadian university in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Must intend to return to full-time studies after the internship ends.
• Strong practical programming ability in C, C++, or Python.
• Must be available to work full-time from the Vancouver, British Columbia office from September 21, 2026 to April 23, 2027.
• Preferred exposure to real-time operating systems.
• Preferred familiarity with automotive communication standards such as CAN, LIN, UDS, and DoIP.
• Preferred hands-on experience with microcontrollers and PID controllers.
• Preferred exposure to advanced 32-bit multi-core microcontrollers.

Total Rewards

The posting states that full-time positions come with base pay, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and equity eligibility. It also notes that benefits are tailored to the local market, and that more details are available through the company’s global benefits information.

Equal Opportunity

The employer states that it is committed to equal opportunity hiring and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, marital or domestic partner status, age, military or veteran status, medical condition, and other legally protected traits. Compliance with fair employment laws related to citizenship and immigration status is also emphasized.

Accessibility Support

The company says its hiring process should be accessible to candidates with disabilities. Applicants who need accommodation for the search or application process can request support by email.

Candidate Data Privacy

Personal data submitted during the recruitment process may be collected, used, and shared for hiring administration, application assessment, background and reference checks, legal compliance, record keeping, security, fraud prevention, and related business purposes. The notice also explains that candidate information may be shared with internal teams, affiliates, and service providers, and may be transferred or stored internationally, including in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and cloud environments.

If a mobile number is provided, the company may use SMS for recruitment-related communication such as scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Messaging and data charges may apply, and candidates may opt out at any time by replying STOP. Consent to SMS communication is not required to apply or be considered.

Additional privacy notices are referenced for more information.

Additional Information

This posting is described as an open and active vacancy. The company also notes that it is not currently accepting applications from third-party application services.