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Sotif Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Lead an engineering team responsible for developing, executing and maintaining ADAS, Autonomy, Functional Safety and SOTIF DVP's, test plans and in-house custom scenarios for global markets. * Ensure ...

Exposure to functional safety standards (ISO 26262) or SOTIF (ISO 21448). * Experience working with sensor calibration tools and rosbag analysis at scale. * A valid driver's license and willingness ...

Exposure to functional safety standards (ISO 26262) or SOTIF (ISO 21448). * Experience working with sensor calibration tools and rosbag analysis at scale. * A valid driver's license and willingness ...

Lead an engineering team responsible for developing, executing and maintaining ADAS, Autonomy, Functional Safety and SOTIF DVP's, test plans and in-house custom scenarios for global markets. * Ensure ...

Sotif information

What is a SOTIF engineer?

A SOTIF engineer specializes in ensuring the Safety Of The Intended Functionality (SOTIF) for advanced automotive systems, such as those found in autonomous and driver-assist technologies. Unlike traditional safety engineering, which focuses on failures and malfunctions, SOTIF addresses hazards that can arise even when systems function as intended, particularly in complex sensor and AI-driven environments. SOTIF engineers work to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks through design, verification, and validation processes. Their role is crucial in developing safe, reliable, and compliant vehicle technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SOTIF engineer?

To thrive as a SOTIF Engineer, you need a solid background in systems engineering, embedded software, and functional safety, often supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with ISO 21448 (SOTIF), ISO 26262, safety analysis tools, and model-based design software like MATLAB/Simulink is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying and addressing safety risks in complex automotive systems. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensuring that advanced driver assistance and autonomous systems operate safely under all intended conditions.

What are common challenges faced by SOTIF engineers, and how can they prepare for them?

Engineers working on SOTIF compliance often face challenges such as identifying potential hazards that aren't caused by system failures but by limits in the intended functionality, especially in complex automated systems like autonomous vehicles. Addressing these requires rigorous scenario analysis, close collaboration with cross-functional teams (such as software, hardware, and safety engineers), and keeping up-to-date with evolving standards like ISO/PAS 21448. Proactively building robust verification and validation processes, and participating in regular knowledge-sharing sessions, can help engineers prepare for and overcome these challenges. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both technical and regulatory requirements are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Sotif vs Functional Safety Engineer?

AspectSotifFunctional Safety Engineer
CertificationsNone mandatory, often familiarity with safety standardsISO 26262, IEC 61508, or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in automotive, robotics, or AI safety testingAutomotive, industrial, or machinery safety projects
ResponsibilitiesIdentifying safety risks related to sensor and AI system failuresDesigning and validating safety functions and systems
Industry UsageEmerging in AI and sensor safety assessmentsEstablished in safety-critical system development

While Sotif focuses on safety testing for sensors and AI systems, a Functional Safety Engineer develops and implements safety standards and systems for broader safety-critical applications. Both roles require understanding of safety standards, but Sotif is more specialized in sensor safety testing, whereas Functional Safety Engineers work across various safety domains.

Infographic showing various Sotif job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Autonomy Systems Validation Engineer

Wittmann, AZ


Rivian
Automobile Dealers • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 160 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 45 rated automakers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$117K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. 

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 


Role Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated engineer for vehicle-level testing of our Active Safety ADAS and Autonomy features based at our proving ground in Arizona. The Senior Autonomy Systems Validation Engineer will be part of Rivian’s Autonomy Systems Validation team working cross-functionally with Functional Safety, Autonomy Systems, Integration and Development teams. They will be responsible for planning and executing feature testing, analyzing and communicating the results. This includes vehicle-level software testing, tuning and debugging as well as ensuring market regulatory compliance with various regulatory bodies (US NCAP, FMVSS, IIHS, EU NCAP, UN ECE). The successful candidate will be organized, learn quickly, exhibit a can-do attitude and be able to manage fluid projects.


Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, plan, execute and maintain ADAS, Autonomy, Functional Safety and SOTIF test plans, scenarios, automated scripts and tooling for feature data collection and vehicle performance and functionality validation (focus on Active Safety and Collision Avoidance).
  • Work as part of a team to operate robotic test equipment (driving robots, ADAS platforms and targets) and ensure regulatory testing is executed to current and future regulatory requirements.
  • Troubleshoot, root cause and proactively resolve software and hardware issues in collaboration with domain experts, including vehicle data deep dives and recommending corrective action.
  • Analyze test data against internal requirements, write reports, communicate results and issues and make recommendations to software and hardware design teams.
  • Support vehicle development builds, bring up, commissioning and instrumentation / data logger installation and debugging.
  • Drive and evaluate prototype software and competitor vehicles both subjectively and objectively at test facilities and on public roads.
  • Travel up to 20%.

Qualifications
  • Ability to work autonomously and effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
  • Excellent analytical, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills.
  • 3+ years of professional experience in ADAS, Autonomous Vehicles, Vehicle Testing, Vehicle Dynamics or a related field.
  • Experience with automotive architecture, electrical systems and communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN, XCP, etc.) and debugging tools (Vector CANalyzer, CANape, PCAN, Vehicle Spy, etc.).
  • Experience with SW integration, scripting / coding tools, requirements definition, verification and validation and the DVP process (JAMA, JIRA, Confluence, GIT, Python, Matlab, CAPL, SQL, etc.)
  • S. degree in Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical, SW, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace, Systems or Computer Science / Engineering or a strong technical background in a related field.
  • Valid US driver's license.

Preferred Qualities (0-4) Nice to have.

  • Experience with ADAS sensors and ground truth equipment (Radar, LiDAR, Cameras, OXTS, DGPS, VBOX, etc.) is a plus.
  • Hands-on experience flashing and debugging complex vehicle systems is a plus.
  • Hands-on experience with in-vehicle data acquisition and logging systems is a plus.
  • Experience driving prototype vehicles, including limit driving, proving grounds and/or certifications preferred.
  • Experience with relevant ADAS regulations, certifications, and functional safety standards (USNCAP, EUNCAP, IIHS, ISO26262, FMVSS or IEC61508, Automotive SPICE, etc.) is a plus.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $117,500 - $146,900 for Arizona based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards. 

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com. 

You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). 



Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. 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.

Rivian 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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

Candidate Data Privacy and Technology

Rivian 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 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 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 affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. 

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, 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.  

How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.

AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.
 

Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.

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

Qualifications:
  • Ability to work autonomously and effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
  • Excellent analytical, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills.
  • 3+ years of professional experience in ADAS, Autonomous Vehicles, Vehicle Testing, Vehicle Dynamics or a related field.
  • Experience with automotive architecture, electrical systems and communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN, XCP, etc.) and debugging tools (Vector CANalyzer, CANape, PCAN, Vehicle Spy, etc.).
  • Experience with SW integration, scripting / coding tools, requirements definition, verification and validation and the DVP process (JAMA, JIRA, Confluence, GIT, Python, Matlab, CAPL, SQL, etc.)
  • S. degree in Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical, SW, Mechatronics, Robotics, Aerospace, Systems or Computer Science / Engineering or a strong technical background in a related field.
  • Valid US driver's license.

Preferred Qualities (0-4) Nice to have.

  • Experience with ADAS sensors and ground truth equipment (Radar, LiDAR, Cameras, OXTS, DGPS, VBOX, etc.) is a plus.
  • Hands-on experience flashing and debugging complex vehicle systems is a plus.
  • Hands-on experience with in-vehicle data acquisition and logging systems is a plus.
  • Experience driving prototype vehicles, including limit driving, proving grounds and/or certifications preferred.
  • Experience with relevant ADAS regulations, certifications, and functional safety standards (USNCAP, EUNCAP, IIHS, ISO26262, FMVSS or IEC61508, Automotive SPICE, etc.) is a plus.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

Rivian logo

About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009


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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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