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Automotive Electronics Engineer Jobs in California

Staff Power Electronics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$131K - $155K/yr

... electronics * Mentor electrical engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering best ... Automotive experience, or the equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional ability

Sr. Power Electronics Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110K - $136K/yr

... Automotive, including on-board charger, DC-DC converter, DC-AC inverter product and et al. This ... The Senior Power Electronics Engineer will be responsible for the development of high-power ...

Sr. Power Electronics Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$112K - $138K/yr

... Automotive, including on-board charger, DC-DC converter, DC-AC inverter product and et al. This ... The Senior Power Electronics Engineer will be responsible for the development of high-power ...

Sr. Power Electronics Engineer

Torrance, CA

$112K - $138K/yr

... Automotive, including on-board charger, DC-DC converter, DC-AC inverter product and et al. This ... The Senior Power Electronics Engineer will be responsible for the development of high-power ...

Senior Power Electronics Engineer II

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$114K - $141K/yr

Experience designing high-reliability analog and power electronics for automotive, space or defense ... Programming skills to support hardware test and data processing (Python, MATLAB, etc.) $126,000 ...

Senior Power Electronics Engineer II

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$114K - $141K/yr

Experience designing high-reliability analog and power electronics for automotive, space or defense ... Programming skills to support hardware test and data processing (Python, MATLAB, etc.) $126,000 ...

Showing results 21-40

Automotive Electronics Engineer information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$87.7K

$135.7K

How much do automotive electronics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive electronics engineer in California is $87,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive electronics engineer do?

An Automotive Electronics Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing electronic systems and components used in vehicles. These can include control systems for engines, infotainment, navigation, safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). They work closely with other engineers to integrate hardware and software, ensure compliance with industry standards, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during development and production. Their work helps improve the safety, efficiency, and functionality of modern vehicles.

What are some typical projects or systems an automotive electronics engineer works on, and how do they interact with other departments?

Automotive Electronics Engineers typically work on projects involving embedded systems, vehicle control units, infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These engineers frequently collaborate with mechanical engineers, software developers, and testing teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of electronic components within the vehicle. Communication and cross-functional teamwork are essential, as project requirements often involve aligning with safety, regulatory, and performance standards. This collaborative environment offers opportunities to expand technical expertise and gain exposure to a variety of automotive technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive electronics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Electronics Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and embedded systems, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software (like MATLAB/Simulink), diagnostic tools, and automotive communication protocols (such as CAN and LIN) is essential, and certifications like Automotive SPICE can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary project environments. These skills ensure the development of reliable, innovative electronic systems that meet stringent automotive safety and performance standards.

What is the difference between Automotive Electronics Engineer vs Automotive Software Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Electronics EngineerAutomotive Software Engineer
Required credentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, certifications in automotive systemsBachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering, coding certifications
Work environmentDesigning and testing electronic hardware, working with circuits and embedded systemsDeveloping and testing automotive software, coding and debugging
Employer & industry usageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, R&D centersAutomotive manufacturers, software firms, tech companies
Common search & comparison intentUnderstanding roles in automotive electronicsComparing software development roles in automotive industry

Automotive Electronics Engineers focus on designing and testing electronic hardware and embedded systems used in vehicles, while Automotive Software Engineers develop the software that runs on these systems. Both roles are essential in automotive technology, often working closely but with different skill sets and responsibilities.

What is automotive electronics engineering?

Automotive electronics engineering is a specialized field focused on designing, developing, and testing electronic systems used in vehicles, such as engine control units, infotainment systems, and safety features. Engineers in this field often work with embedded systems, circuit design, and software development to improve vehicle performance, safety, and user experience.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Electronics Engineer jobs in California?

For Automotive Electronics Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Electronics Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Electronics Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Electronics Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,732 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Principal Power Electronics Engineer I

CesiumAstro

El Segundo, CA

$119K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are seeking a Principal Power Electronics Engineer I (2025538) to join our growing spacecraft payload development team. In this position, you will contribute across the entire development lifecycle of next-generation power electronics hardware for satellites and space power systems payloads-from leading the definition of power system architectures and trade studies to detailed circuit design, simulation, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, verification and integration testing, production transition, and manufacturing support. 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Define electrical power system architecture, and derive power subsystem requirements   

  • Design DC-DC power converters, motor drives, inverters, power management and control circuits from concept to production release 

  • Perform detailed design for low to high complexity analog and power electronics circuits ranging from single DC-DC power converters to multi-output power supply modules  

  • Perform modeling and analysis of analog and power electronics designs including worst-case circuit analysis (WCA), stress analysis, small signal modeling analysis, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability analysis, and power integrity analysis 

  • Develop design verification test plans, requirement compliance matrices, system integration and qualification test plans, and production acceptance test plans for power converters and power supply designs 

  • Lead board bring-up and design verification testing of power electronics circuits and modules  

  • Lead system integration, qualification campaigns, and release of analog and power electronics designs into production 

  • Mentor younger engineers and foster knowledge sharing 

  • Lead a small team of power electronics engineers to drive project execution  

  • Perform research and monitor power electronics industry trends to drive innovation and generate intellectual property in this area 

REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or higher in Electrical Engineering (or related) from an accredited university. 

  • Minimum of 9 years of experience designing analog and power electronics  

  • Experience working with electrical power systems and subsystems, including developing power architecture and power requirements, performing trade studies for size, weight, power, and cost optimization (SWAP-C), selecting power converter topologies, and defining power management and control blocks  

  • Experience with modeling and control of DC-DC converters and power stage design of different isolated and non-isolated DC-DC power converters (e.g. discrete linear regulators, Buck, Boost, Buck-boost, Flyback, Forward, Half-bridge, Full bridge, and Resonant converters)  

  • Experience designing custom signal and power magnetics, and power filters for low noise and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) 

  • Experience developing design verification test plans, requirement compliance matrices, system integration and qualification test plans, and production acceptance test plans  

  • Experience performing worst-case circuit analysis (WCA), stress analysis, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and reliability analysis for power supplies   

  • Extensive hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting electronics and power converters using laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, impedance analyzers, spectrum analyzers, electronic loads, and signal generators 

  • Experience with electronics schematic capture and printed circuit board (PCB) layout tools such as Altium, OrCAD, Allegro or Xpedition  

  • Experience with analysis and simulation tools such as SPICE, LTSPICE, SIMetrix/SIMPLIS, PLECS, Simulink, MATLAB, MathCAD, ANSYS Q3D and SiWave, or HyperLynx  

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Master of Science or PhD in Electrical Engineering with research focus in power electronics  

  • Experience designing high-reliability analog and power electronics for automotive, space or defense applications 

  • Knowledge of space radiation environments and radiation effects in electronics 

  • Experience in power electronics applications utilizing GaN or SiC wide bandgap power semiconductor devices 

  • Experience running board-level power integrity simulation using tools such as Ansys SiWave, or HyperLynx 

  • Experience with soft switching and resonant power converter topologies (e.g. LLC, CLLC, series resonant, phase shifted full bridge, dual active bridge, etc.) 

  • Experience with power stage design for inverters and motor drives  

  • Knowledge of modeling and control of inverters and motor drives  

  • Experience with advanced control schemes for DC-DC power converters (e.g. voltage mode with feedforward control, constant on-time control, V2 constant on-time control, phase shift modulation, average current mode control) 

  • Experience with isolation and grounding, failure mode effects analysis and fault tolerant design, and thermal management of power electronics  

  • Programming skills to support hardware test and data processing (Python, MATLAB, etc.) 

  • Knowledge of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for solar power applications, battery sizing and battery management systems, power conversion for electric propulsion systems, power conditioning, power management, and power distribution units for spacecraft technology  

  • Experience designing and testing power electronics units to meet industry standards and requirements in the automotive, industrial, space or military markets (e.g., FCC, CISPR, UL safety, ECSS, NASA, MIL standards) 

$148,500 - $199,000 a year
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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