Software Field Application Engineering Manager

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive's next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we're addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.  

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we'll map a new way forward. Working together, we'll create a future that's more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

We are looking for an experienced Software Field Application Engineering Manager to build, guide, and mentor a high-performing team of up to 10+ field application software engineers. You will spearhead the development of new software architectures for our state-of-the-art ECUs and define the team's technical strategy. This hybrid leadership role requires a hands-on approach, as you will serve as the first technical point of contact for our key automotive partners. A significant part of your responsibilities will involve being on-site at partner locations, providing direct support, and leading complex troubleshooting efforts. This is a critical position for a leader with a strong background in embedded automotive software who thrives on fostering talent and building strong client relationships.

This position requires a 5-day per week, mandatory onsite presence at our Berlin office.

• Team Leadership & Development: Hire, train, and mentor a team of up to 15 software engineers. Foster a high-performance culture, promoting collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Software Architecture & Strategy: Lead the development of new software architectures for our ECUs, Infotainment, Controls, Mobile App, Navigation, Connectivity, Middleware. Adapt and define the team's strategy based on evolving project needs and priorities.
• On-Site Support & Brand Interaction: Act as the first technical point of contact for our key partners. A significant part of this role involves frequent on-site presence in brand locations to provide direct, hands-on support.
• Technical Problem Solving: Guide the team in troubleshooting complex issues related to software builds, application-level problems, and interaction with both second-party and our primary RVT ECUs.
• Flexible Operations: Manage a distributed team, some of whom will be temporarily located at client sites. Ensure seamless communication and efficient project management across different locations.
• Recruitment & Growth: Drive the hiring process to scale the team effectively, identifying top talent with the necessary skills and flexibility.
• Issue Management: Handle internal and external Tickets about issues. Create an overview and tracking method to handle them. Interaction with brands and RVT internal departments and create a reporting.

• Experience: 7+ years of proven experience in a leadership role within a software engineering team, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Education: Bachelor/Masters of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Software Engineering preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Strong background in embedded software development, software architecture, and troubleshooting for automotive applications.
• Automotive Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the automotive development lifecycle, with specific knowledge of working with OEMs, particularly Audi and VW.
• Location Flexibility: Willingness to travel frequently and be located on-site at client facilities (Audi in Ingolstadt, VW in Wolfsburg) as needed.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and adapt to changing requirements.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at 

Rivian and VW Group Technologies ("Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies") may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. 

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies' service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. 

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. 

Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.