The Staff Research Engineer role at Rivian focuses on Vision-Language Models (VLMs) as a key component of the Autonomy stack. The position involves defining and delivering VLM-driven solutions to address complex challenges in autonomy, including data mining and anomaly detection. The engineer will collaborate with various teams to translate vehicle feature requirements into machine learning deliverables. This role requires a strong background in machine learning and system engineering to optimize model performance and deployment.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional experience scaling machine learning solutions.
• Hands-on experience training or fine-tuning VLMs using modern parameter-efficient techniques.
• Proven track record developing VLM/LLM-related techniques for data mining and anomaly detection.
• Experience with open-vocabulary, zero-shot, or few-shot classification models.

• Define, drive, and execute the roadmap of VLM model delivery.
• Design and deliver VLM/LLM related models and strategies for automated data mining.
• Establish rigorous evaluation and monitoring benchmarks for model performance.
• Partner closely with core Autonomy teams to translate vehicle feature requirements into ML deliverables.
• Define system requirements and guide cross-functional efforts through technical trade-off decisions.

• Employees at Rivian are often offered comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, ESPP and potential RSU grants, performance bonuses, and generous time off including paid parental and sick leave. Perks can include 24/7 mental-health coaching and therapy, Hinge Health for Anthem enrollees, tuition assistance and professional development, plus on-site food and a wide range of employee discounts on items like computers, mobile phones, home loans, and pet care.