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Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Engineering, Business ... Reliable personal transportation and valid automobile insurance * Ability to travel frequently ...

Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$39.8K

$120.8K

$176.9K

How much do automotive cybersecurity engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive cybersecurity engineer in Milwaukee, WI is $120,758.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive cybersecurity engineer?

An Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer is responsible for securing a vehicle’s electronic systems, networks, and software from cyber threats. They assess risks, implement security measures, and ensure compliance with industry standards like ISO/SAE 21434. Their role involves working closely with software developers, hardware engineers, and security analysts to protect vehicles from hacking, data breaches, and other cyber threats. They also conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and develop secure coding practices. This role is critical in the era of connected and autonomous vehicles.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an automotive cybersecurity engineer?

As an Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer, your daily activities often involve conducting threat assessments, performing vulnerability analysis on automotive systems, and collaborating with design teams to integrate security measures into vehicles. You may also be responsible for developing and testing intrusion detection systems, participating in code reviews, and ensuring compliance with industry safety standards. Regularly communicating findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders is a key part of the role. Additionally, you may take part in incident response activities and stay up to date with emerging threats, helping to continuously improve the organization's security posture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive cybersecurity engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, network security, embedded systems, and automotive communication protocols, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools such as CAN bus analyzers, intrusion detection systems, penetration testing frameworks, and certifications like CISSP, CEH, or industry-specific credentials (e.g., AUTOSAR, ISO/SAE 21434) is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and clear communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. These skills are essential to protect modern vehicles from cybersecurity threats and ensure compliance with industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

The most popular types of Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

For Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,758 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Software Engineer - Vehicle Software

Harley-Davidson

Wauwatosa, WI • On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Auto req ID: 52796 
Title: Software Engineer - Vehicle Software 
Job Function: Engineering 
Location: PDC
Workplace Category:Onsite 
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company 
Full or Part-Time: Full Time 
Shift: SHIFT1 

At Harley-Davidson, we are building more than machines. It's our passion and commitment to continue the evolution of this storied brand, and heighten the desirability of the Harley-Davidson experience. To keep building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution, and emotion we need the best and brightest talent. We stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Are you ready to join us?

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Product Development Center (PDC) located in Wauwatosa, WI is home to the mantra - You dream it. We build it. Join our team as a  Software Engineer - Vehicle Software.

Job Summary

In this position, you will contribute to the development, integration, and validation of Harley-Davidson motorcycle software. You will work as part of a cross functional software team to deliver best-in-class software for Harley-Davidson customers. 

Job Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, test, and debug firmware and software for automotive-grade microcontrollers/processors in real-time and Linux-based systems.
  • Translate product requirements and hardware constraints into robust, maintainable code across bare-metal, RTOS, and Linux environments; optimize for performance, memory, and boot times.
  • Work with suppliers to design and develop communication stacks and drivers for automotive serial protocols.
  • Support design, development, maintenance, and release of vehicle communication specifications & databases (DBC, CDD, Diagnostics & DTC etc.).
  • Support vehicle cybersecurity activities including UN R155 compliance, cybersecurity management system execution, risk assessments, preassessments, post incident investigations, design improvements, etc.
  • Participate in code reviews, unit tests, integration tests, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to ensure safety, quality, and reliability in-vehicle.
  • Troubleshoot software/hardware/system integration issues; provide timely root-cause analysis and corrective actions; author clear defect reports and corrective action plans.
  • Maintain and improve software development processes, documentation, and version control practices; contribute to automotive release notes and documentation for infotainment and instrument cluster platforms.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's Degree Required
Education Specifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience). 
Experience Requirements

Required qualifications:

  • 2+ years of hands-on embedded software development experience, with automotive exposure or safety-critical context preferred.
  • Proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded systems, and in Linux user-space/kernel development.
  • Familiarity with RTOS and/or bare-metal development and real-time design methodologies.
  • Familiarity with debugging tools (JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
  • Understanding of microcontroller/microprocessor peripherals (GPIO, UART/SPI/I2C, timers, ADC/DAC, PWM) and display-related peripherals
  • Experience with standard software version control (git) and build systems (Make, CMake)
  • Strong problem-solving skills and written/verbal communication.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with automotive infotainment or instrument cluster software stacks; strong understanding of display pipelines, graphics, and multimedia integration is highly desirable.
  • Experience with vehicle networking (CAN, Ethernet).
  • Working knowledge of vehicle cybersecurity principles, regulations, and best practices
  • Experience with wireless communication mediums (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB)
  • Experience with embedded graphical frameworks (Qt, Altia)
  • Familiarity with bootloaders, memory management, secure firmware practices, and secure boot concepts.
  • Experience with software testing, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop workflows, and automated testing in Linux environments.
  • Experience with automotive safety processes and standards (e.g., ISO 26262) or automotive-grade validation practices.

The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.

We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here. 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Direct Reports: Yes  
Travel Required: 10 - 25%  
Pay Range: $85,000-127,200
 
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer  
Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)