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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs in California

Vast

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering with 5+ years of relevant CAD/Design experience or equivalent ... Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ...

General Motors

Studio Design Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Understanding of engineering theory and principles of automotive design * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others * Aptitude to ...

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All JobsAutomotive Design Engineering JobsAutomotive Design Engineering Jobs in California

Automotive Design Engineering information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do automotive design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineering in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Automotive Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD, and knowledge of industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help you innovate and efficiently address design challenges. These abilities ensure the development of safe, functional, and marketable vehicles in a highly competitive industry.

What is the difference between Automotive Design Engineering vs Automotive Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectAutomotive Design EngineeringAutomotive Manufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesign and development of vehicle components and aestheticsProduction processes, assembly, and manufacturing efficiency
Required SkillsCAD, design principles, vehicle dynamicsManufacturing processes, quality control, automation
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labsFactories, production lines
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certificationsManufacturing certifications, Six Sigma

Automotive Design Engineering focuses on creating vehicle designs and prototypes, while Automotive Manufacturing Engineering emphasizes the production and assembly processes. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments, with design engineers working in creative settings and manufacturing engineers in production facilities.

What is automotive design engineering?

Automotive design engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the development and design of vehicles, including their appearance, functionality, and performance. Professionals in this role combine creativity with technical knowledge to create innovative, safe, and efficient vehicles. They use advanced software and engineering principles to design components, systems, and the overall structure of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Automotive design engineers often work closely with other specialists, such as mechanical, electrical, and materials engineers, to bring a concept vehicle from idea to production.

What are some typical challenges faced by automotive design engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Automotive Design Engineers often work closely with teams from manufacturing, electronics, and quality assurance. A common challenge is ensuring that design concepts are feasible within manufacturing constraints and cost targets, requiring frequent adjustments and clear communication. Balancing innovative design ideas with regulatory standards and safety requirements can also present difficulties. Effective collaboration and adaptability are essential for aligning different perspectives and achieving successful product development.
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California? For Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Design Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Automotive Design Engineering job openings:
Automotive Design Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Electromechanical Design Engineering Intern (Fall 2026)

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

Irvine, CA • On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Us
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.
Role Summary
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the Electro-Mechanical design of vehicle systems. As an Electromechanical Design Engineering Intern, you will be directly involved in the complete life cycle development of electronic hardware, from early Proof of Concept work to final component release, and initial manufacturing support.
About the Electromechanical Design Engineering Internship: We are looking for talented interns to join various teams within our Electromechanical Design Engineering department.
Program Details:
  • Timeline: Full-time, September 21 - December 18
  • Location: Palo Alto, CA, Champaign, IL or Irvine, CA

By submitting a single application to this posting, you will be considered for all of the following internship tracks:
  • Embedded Software Engineering Intern
  • Software Engineering Intern - Vehicle Lab
  • Electrical Design Engineering Intern

Responsibilities
  • Design & Development: Support and develop Proof of Concept work needed to ensure program success.
  • Component Design: Design and develop analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits for hardware modules, including schematic capture and component selection.
  • Documentation & Release: Generate Internal Part Numbers for new part requests in the Arena PLM database. Ensure drawing releases and component release cycles are understood and followed.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with all cross-functional engineering and design teams (e.g., Studio, Architecture, Mechanical) to understand requirements and fully optimize solutions for overall performance, cost, and mass.
  • Debug & Validation: Debug and troubleshoot hardware issues at the board and system level. Work with internal teams and suppliers to maintain component and system-level DVPRs (Design Verification Plan and Report) and ensure test execution.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program at an accredited US university.
  • Proficient in Electrical Engineering fundamentals.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Actively pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Design Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field with the intent to return to school following completion of internship.
  • Understanding of electronics, packaging, and hardware.
  • Previous experience with vehicle-level component programs.
  • Understanding of the automotive hardware/software development process. Working knowledge of vehicle electrical systems.
  • Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and component release cycles.
  • Familiarity with communication protocols such as PCIe, CAN, Ethernet, USB, I2C, SPI.
Total Rewards
We build the exceptional - and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.
Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.
In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees - including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs.
External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies" 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies' service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, 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.
If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment.
Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English)and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.
Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.

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