Software Engineering Intern – Vehicle Controls

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

. Work on embedded software or controls algorithms for vehicle domains including propulsion and dynamics, energy storage and charging, thermal and HVAC systems, body controls, functional safety, or systems engineering and test automation .

Posted 10/23/2026internshipVancouver • CanadaEntry Level💰 CA$30 - CA$34 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in embedded software development and controls algorithms for vehicle systems, with a strong foundation in C and C++. Familiarity with functional safety concepts and experience in systems engineering tasks are essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Embedded Software DevelopmentC ProgrammingC++ ProgrammingFunctional Safety AnalysisSystems Engineering

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Embedded SystemsControls AlgorithmsTest AutomationReal Time Operating SystemsBattery Management SystemsThermal SystemsHVAC SystemsVehicle DynamicsPropulsion ControlsAutomated Testing

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

PythonMATLABSimulinkSILHILUnit TestingCANLINAutomotive Ethernet

Industry Keywords

ISO 26262Safety-Critical SoftwareRequirements DefinitionArchitectureHomologation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work on embedded software or controls algorithms for vehicle domains including propulsion and dynamics, energy storage and charging, thermal and HVAC systems, body controls, functional safety, or systems engineering and test automation
Design, implement, and test embedded software or controls algorithms for an assigned vehicle domain
Write production-quality code in C or C++, with Python used for test tooling
Collaborate with systems engineers and test engineers to validate features before deployment
Support test execution in SIL, HIL, or bench environments and help debug issues
Communicate progress and technical tradeoffs to the team throughout the internship
Implement and validate software for battery management, charging, or energy distribution systems
Develop controls software for thermal and HVAC systems, body controls, or lighting
Contribute to vehicle dynamics or propulsion controls algorithms
Support functional safety analysis and requirements for safety-critical vehicle software
Build and run automated tests in Unit, Software in the Loop, or Hardware in the Loop environments
Work on systems engineering tasks such as requirements definition, architecture, or homologation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program at an accredited Canadian university
Proficiency in C or C++, with some exposure to Python
Preferred: pursuing Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field
Preferred: intent to return to school after the internship
Preferred: coursework or project experience with embedded systems, control theory, or real time operating systems
Preferred: familiarity with CAN, LIN, or Automotive Ethernet
Preferred: exposure to MATLAB and Simulink
Preferred: interest or coursework in functional safety concepts such as ISO 26262

Benefits

Comp & perks

Eligible for housing stipend
Health coverage
Retirement savings
Time off
Family planning programs
Equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and applicable vesting requirements (full-time positions)
Annual company performance bonus program (full-time positions; discretionary and not guaranteed)