Sr. Staff Radar Signal Processing Engineer

Rivian · Auto · Palo Alto, CA · Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

Sr. Staff Radar Signal Processing Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing the signal processing algorithms and DSP pipeline for a high-performance 4D imaging RADAR. This includes waveform design, beamforming, detection, tracking, and point-cloud generation, with a focus on real-time, embedded deployment. The role also involves collaborating with AI/ML teams on deep learning models for radar perception and co-optimizing the DSP pipeline with hardware and systems.

What you'd actually do

Work with an experienced, cross-functional team to design, develop, and optimize the signal processing algorithms and DSP pipeline for a high-performance 4D imaging RADAR, from raw ADC data through detections and point-cloud output.
Help define and drive the radar processing chain architecture, including waveform design, MIMO/virtual array processing, beamforming, range-Doppler-angle estimation, and super-resolution angle estimation techniques.
Contribute to the technical roadmap for achieving industry-leading KPIs in range, velocity, and angular resolution, detection probability, false alarm rate, and dynamic range.
Develop and optimize core algorithms including CFAR detection, clutter and interference mitigation, micro-Doppler processing, tracking, and point-cloud generation for 4D imaging output (range, Doppler, azimuth, elevation).
Design and implement real-time, compute- and memory-efficient DSP pipelines suitable for deployment on embedded/automotive-grade hardware (DSP cores, FPGA, or custom ASIC/SoC).

Skills

Required

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with a focus on signal processing or radar systems.
8+ years of experience developing signal processing algorithms and DSP pipelines for RADAR systems, with demonstrated expertise in imaging or high-resolution automotive/robotics RADAR.
Deep expertise in radar signal processing fundamentals: waveform design (FMCW/chirp), range-Doppler processing, MIMO virtual array synthesis, digital beamforming, and angle-of-arrival estimation (e.g., FFT-based, MUSIC, ESPRIT, or compressed sensing approaches).
Strong hands-on experience developing detection and tracking algorithms, including CFAR variants, clutter suppression, and multi-target tracking.
Proven ability to design DSP pipelines that meet real-time, low-latency constraints on embedded and automotive-grade compute platforms.
Strong proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ for algorithm modeling, simulation, and production implementation.
Proven track record of technical leadership, including leading algorithm development from concept through production deployment.

Nice to have

Experience with sensor fusion, including fusing RADAR with LiDAR, camera, and IMU data for perception tasks.
Experience applying deep learning to radar data (raw cube, range-Doppler maps, or point clouds) is highly desirable.
Familiarity with RF/antenna system design principles and their interplay with DSP algorithm performance.

What the JD emphasized

deep, hands-on expertise in radar signal processing theory and practice
design and deliver the algorithms and DSP pipeline
shape the algorithmic roadmap
drive performance to state-of-the-art KPIs
partner closely with hardware, firmware, and perception teams to bring the pipeline into production
design, develop, and optimize the signal processing algorithms and DSP pipeline
define and drive the radar processing chain architecture
achieving industry-leading KPIs
Develop and optimize core algorithms
Design and implement real-time, compute- and memory-efficient DSP pipelines
Build high-fidelity simulation, modeling, and algorithm validation frameworks
Evaluate and integrate state-of-the-art techniques
Collaborate with AI/ML teams to develop and deploy deep learning-based radar perception models
Partner closely with RF/hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams
Drive rigorous performance characterization and validation of algorithms against system-level requirements
Mentor and collaborate with DSP/algorithm engineers
Stay ahead of industry and academic advancements
Coordinate with external partners, chipset vendors, and research institutions
8+ years of experience developing signal processing algorithms and DSP pipelines for RADAR systems
demonstrated expertise in imaging or high-resolution automotive/robotics RADAR
Deep expertise in radar signal processing fundamentals
Strong hands-on experience developing detection and tracking algorithms
Proven ability to design DSP pipelines that meet real-time, low-latency constraints
Proven track record of technical leadership, including leading algorithm development from concept through production deployment

Other signals

develop and deploy deep learning-based radar perception models
partner closely with RF/hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams to ensure the DSP pipeline is co-optimized with antenna design, RF front-end, and compute architecture
design and implement real-time, compute- and memory-efficient DSP pipelines suitable for deployment on embedded/automotive-grade hardware

Read full 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 seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Staff Radar DSP Engineer to work alongside an experienced, cross-functional team to help define the signal processing architecture for our next-generation, high-performance 4D imaging RADAR. This role requires deep, hands-on expertise in radar signal processing theory and practice, and the ability to help design and deliver the algorithms and DSP pipeline that will drive industry-leading detection, resolution, and perception performance. As a senior technical contributor on radar DSP, you will help shape the algorithmic roadmap, drive performance to state-of-the-art KPIs, and partner closely with hardware, firmware, and perception teams to bring the pipeline into production. Responsibilities Work with an experienced, cross-functional team to design, develop, and optimize the signal processing algorithms and DSP pipeline for a high-performance 4D imaging RADAR, from raw ADC data through detections and point-cloud output. Help define and drive the radar processing chain architecture, including waveform design, MIMO/virtual array processing, beamforming, range-Doppler-angle estimation, and super-resolution angle estimation techniques. Contribute to the technical roadmap for achieving industry-leading KPIs in range, velocity, and angular resolution, detection probability, false alarm rate, and dynamic range. Develop and optimize core algorithms including CFAR detection, clutter and interference mitigation, micro-Doppler processing, tracking, and point-cloud generation for 4D imaging output (range, Doppler, azimuth, elevation). Design and implement real-time, compute- and memory-efficient DSP pipelines suitable for deployment on embedded/automotive-grade hardware (DSP cores, FPGA, or custom ASIC/SoC). Build high-fidelity simulation, modeling, and algorithm validation frameworks (MATLAB, Python, C++) to characterize algorithm performance ahead of hardware availability. Evaluate and integrate state-of-the-art techniques, including MIMO waveform design, digital beamforming, sparse array processing, and interference mitigation for dense multi-radar environments. Collaborate with AI/ML teams to develop and deploy deep learning-based radar perception models (e.g., detection, segmentation, classification) operating directly on radar cubes or point clouds. Partner closely with RF/hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams to ensure the DSP pipeline is co-optimized with antenna design, RF front-end, and compute architecture. Drive rigorous performance characterization and validation of algorithms against system-level requirements, including field testing and benchmarking against competitive systems. Mentor and collaborate with DSP/algorithm engineers across the team, helping establish best practices for algorithm development, code quality, and validation. Stay ahead of industry and academic advancements in radar signal processing, automotive/robotics radar, and imaging radar technology, and translate relevant advances into the product roadmap. Coordinate with external partners, chipset vendors, and research institutions on next-generation radar processing technologies. Qualifications Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with a focus on signal processing or radar systems. 8+ years of experience developing signal processing algorithms and DSP pipelines for RADAR systems, with demonstrated expertise in imaging or high-resolution automotive/robotics RADAR. Deep expertise in radar signal processing fundamentals: waveform design (FMCW/chirp), range-Doppler processing, MIMO virtual array synthesis, digital beamforming, and angle-of-arrival estimation (e.g., FFT-based, MUSIC, ESPRIT, or compressed sensing approaches). Strong hands-on experience developing detection and tracking algorithms, including CFAR variants, clutter suppression, and multi-target tracking. Proven ability to design DSP pipelines that meet real-time, low-latency constraints on embedded and automotive-grade compute platforms. Strong proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ for algorithm modeling, simulation, and production implementation. Experience with sensor fusion, including fusing RADAR with LiDAR, camera, and IMU data for perception tasks. Experience applying deep learning to radar data (raw cube, range-Doppler maps, or point clouds) is highly desirable. Familiarity with RF/antenna system design principles and their interplay with DSP algorithm performance. Proven track record of technical leadership, including leading algorithm development from concept through production deployment. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Pay Disclosure Pay Range: The salary range for this role is $237,000 - $296,000 annually for Bay Area 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. Benefits: 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). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than 7/25/2026. 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 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. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.