Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies ยท 2 weeks ago
AI Systems and Applications Validation Engineer
Palo Alto, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$147K/yr - $184K/yr
5+ years expRivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders focused on advancing electric vehicle technology. The role involves driving testing and validation for AI systems, ensuring performance and integration across various automotive applications.
AutomotiveInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
AI Model Evaluation & Validation: Lead the testing and validation of cutting-edge AI products, including voice assistants and core speech models like Wake-Word Detection (WWD), Voice Activity Detection (VAD), Text-to-Speech (TTS), and Speech-to-Text (STT)
Performance & Accuracy Testing: Design and execute comprehensive test plans to evaluate model performance, focusing on key metrics such as accuracy, latency, robustness, and computational efficiency (MIPS, memory footprint). Validate model behavior across a wide range of real-world acoustic conditions, including noisy environments, various accents, and far-field audio
End-to-End System Integration: Validate the deployment and integration of speech models onto embedded hardware platforms. Ensure seamless interaction between AI models, system firmware, and hardware components to deliver a stable and responsive user experience
Simulation and Emulation (HIL/SIL): Develop and execute Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) test strategies to simulate complex automotive environments and user interactions. Proactively identify integration issues and performance bottlenecks before deployment
Automation Development: Write and maintain robust, scalable test automation scripts and frameworks using Python to support unit, functional, stress, and end-to-end testing within a CI/CD pipeline
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with AI researchers, software developers, and hardware engineers to understand model architecture, define quality standards, and drive issue resolution
Stress & Regression Testing: Execute long-duration and stress tests to identify regressions, performance degradation, and model drift over time, ensuring the long-term stability of our AI products
Qualification
Required
5+ years of experience in software quality assurance, with a strong focus on AI/ML product testing, particularly voice assistants or speech recognition systems
Proven experience testing and evaluating AI models for speech technologies including a deep understanding of relevant performance metrics
Proficiency in testing AI models on embedded systems, with a solid understanding of the constraints of hardware resources (CPU, memory, power)
Strong programming skills in Python and hands-on experience with test automation frameworks
Experience with CI/CD pipelines and tools (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving complex system-level issues
Ability to interpret product requirements and OEM specifications to create comprehensive test plans and validation strategies for AI features
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional technical teams
Preferred
Background in the automotive industry, especially with in-cabin voice interfaces and infotainment systems
Knowledge of audio processing, acoustics, and data analysis tools (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib)
Familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch
Hands-on experience with low-level system profiling, firmware interaction, and hardware-software integration
Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Benefits
Robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26
Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment
Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment
Company
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies develops scalable automotive software and technology platforms for multiple vehicle segments.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Kranti Garatkar
Staff Technical Program Manager
Recent News
2025-11-14
Company data provided by crunchbase