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.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is looking for a highly experienced Staff Global Mobility Specialist, Immigration to own and scale our immigration and work authorization function. This is a critical individual contributor role responsible for the end-to-end immigration lifecycle—from intern hiring to executive-level transfers—supporting our growth in the US, Canada, and Europe.
The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in employment-based visas who thrives in a fast-paced, high-tech environment. You will report into the Talent Acquisition function and act as a strategic partner to Recruiting, HR Business Partners, Legal and hiring teams, ensuring that our talent acquisition and retention strategies are supported by a world-class, compliant, and empathetic immigration program. You will lead the narrative for our global mobility efforts, translating complex legal requirements into seamless experiences for our candidates and employees. This role is based out of our Palo Alto, California office with a flex schedule of 3 days a week onsite.
Program Ownership: Lead the day-to-day execution of the global immigration program, serving as the primary point of contact for all work authorization matters in the US, Canada, and Europe.
Case Strategy & Consultation: Analyze complex individual cases (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E-3, PERM, Blue Cards, ICTs, etc.) to determine viability and develop both short-term and long-term immigration roadmaps for employees.
Stakeholder Partnership: Act as a strategic advisor to Recruiters, Hiring Managers, and HRBPs, providing expert guidance on hiring timelines, costs, and risk assessments for international candidates.
Global Expansion & Execution: Support the setup and maintenance of work authorization processes in Canada and key European markets, ensuring compliance with local labor market impact assessments and residence permit requirements.
Vendor Management: Manage and oversee external immigration counsel, ensuring high-quality filings, strict adherence to SLAs, and cost-effective service delivery.
Compliance & Audit: Maintain Public Access Files (PAF) and other required immigration documentation. Conduct periodic internal audits to ensure 100% compliance with DOL, USCIS, and international regulatory bodies.
Candidate & Employee Experience: Own the "wing-to-wing" customer experience, providing high-touch support and proactive communication to employees and their families during stressful relocation or filing periods.
Process Innovation: Identify opportunities to automate or streamline immigration workflows through ATS integrations and internal tool development.
Policy Development: Assist in drafting and updating global mobility policies, including relocation assistance, tax equalization, and green card sponsorship timing.
Education: Develop and deliver training sessions for the Talent Acquisition team and management on changing immigration rules, regulations, and "Right to Work" trends.
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience: 5+ years of dedicated experience in an in-house corporate immigration role or a top-tier immigration law firm, specifically within the hi-tech industry.
Visa Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of U.S. non-immigrant (H, L, O, TN, E, F-1 STEM OPT) and immigrant (PERM, I-140, I-485) visa types.
Global Knowledge: Demonstrated experience handling work authorization and residence permits across various locations across North America and Europe
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, International Relations, Business, or a related field.
Tech Savvy: Proficiency with People Systems (Recruiting, HR), Immigration Case Management software, and understanding how to solve problems from a systems-level perspective.
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-experts with empathy and clarity.
Autonomy: Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, often ambiguous environment, managing a high volume of cases without compromising accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced Certification: GMS (Global Mobility Specialist) or PHR/SPHR certification.
Data Analytics: Ability to translate data into insights to evaluate, program health, processing times, and spend.
Advocacy: Experience with immigration policy advocacy or participating in industry groups (e.g., SHRM, Council for Global Immigration).
Project Management: Experience leading cross-functional projects related to M&A immigration due diligence or entity changes.
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