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Automotive Engineer Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Systems Test Engineer (Contract) Location: California - Onsite Contract: 12 months, with ... What We're Looking For Strong experience in systems test engineering within aerospace, automotive ...

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Quality Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$76.54/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... automotive, aviation, or contract manufacturing. - Proven experience applying advanced problem ... Engineer (CQE) certification or Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Company Description A WBENC ...

Data Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AV Safety Data Engineer (Contract) The Safety Strategy & Operations team is responsible for ... AV, Automotive, Transportation Engineering, or a closely related industry. Strong programming ...

Data Engineer

Foster City, CA

$133K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AV Safety Data Engineer (Contract) The Safety Strategy & Operations team is responsible for ... AV, Automotive, Transportation Engineering, or a closely related industry. Strong programming ...

Data Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AV Safety Data Engineer (Contract) The Safety Strategy Operations team is responsible for ... AV, Automotive, Transportation Engineering, or a closely related industry. Strong programming ...

Contracts Clerk

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

FERRARI OF NEWPORT BEACH is seeking an ambitious Automotive Contracts Clerk who shares our passion ... Working with Ferrari means working with one of the World's most powerful brands, engineering ...

Senior Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments • Experience collaborating with contract manufacturers, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams • Understanding of fastener ...

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Automotive Engineer Contract information

See California salary details

$29

$48

$97

How much do automotive engineer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive engineer contract in California is $48.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.58 and $50.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for automotive engineers?

Automotive engineers are in demand due to ongoing advancements in vehicle technology, electric vehicles, and autonomous systems. Employers seek professionals skilled in CAD software, systems integration, and industry standards, with job growth expected to continue as the automotive industry evolves toward innovation and sustainability.

What is an automotive engineer contract?

An Automotive Engineer Contract job is a temporary or project-based position where an engineer works on designing, developing, testing, or improving automotive systems and components. These contracts are typically offered by automotive manufacturers, suppliers, or engineering firms and may last several months to a few years. Contract engineers may specialize in areas such as powertrain, chassis, electronics, or safety systems, depending on the company's needs.

What are the typical responsibilities of an automotive engineer contract?

As an Automotive Engineer working on a contract basis, you will typically focus on specific projects such as designing, testing, or optimizing vehicle components and systems within set timelines. Responsibilities often include collaborating with design teams, producing technical documentation, performing simulations or prototype testing, and ensuring all solutions meet client and regulatory requirements. You may work independently or as part of a project-focused team, interacting closely with other engineers, project managers, and sometimes suppliers. Contract roles offer the opportunity to gain exposure to diverse projects and technologies, helping you build expertise and expand your professional network within the automotive industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an automotive engineer contract position?

To thrive as an Automotive Engineer Contract, you need a solid background in automotive engineering principles, mechanical design, and prototyping, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and prior industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software (like CATIA or SolidWorks), automotive testing equipment, and industry standards such as ISO/TS 16949 is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and adaptability are key soft skills that help manage project-based work and shifting client needs. These abilities ensure high-quality engineering solutions, smooth project delivery, and successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in dynamic automotive environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Engineer Contract jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automotive Engineer Contract job openings:

Infographic showing various Automotive Engineer Contract job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,448 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Staff Systems Test Engineer (Contract)

CSG

Fremont, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Staff Systems Test Engineer (Contract) Location: California - Onsite Contract: 12 months, with potential to convert to Full-Time Travel: Occasional travel to nearby test facilities The Opportunity We're partnering with an innovative aerospace company developing next-generation electric aircraft technology. They're looking for a Staff Systems Test Engineer to lead system-level testing, integration, and verification across complex aircraft systems. This is a hands-on role offering the opportunity to work with advanced test environments and play a key part in bringing new aerospace technology through development and validation. What You'll Do Lead operation and commissioning of complex integrated test systems. Develop test plans, procedures, specifications, and automated test scripts. Execute manual and automated system-level testing. Develop and improve data acquisition, reporting, and post-processing tools. Select and integrate test and data acquisition hardware. Review electrical drawings and support hardware/software integration. Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software issues. Support verification, certification, and test safety activities. What We're Looking For Strong experience in systems test engineering within aerospace, automotive, or another complex engineering environment. Hands-on experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) systems and integrated test environments. Experience operating and troubleshooting complex test equipment. Strong understanding of electrical, avionics, aircraft, or high-voltage systems. Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Ability to work onsite in California . Desirable Experience Experience with National Instruments (NI), VeriStand, LabVIEW, PXI, Python, C++, Linux , or aerospace verification and certification standards would be advantageous. Why Apply? Join a highly innovative aerospace program working on next-generation electric aircraft technology . You'll have ownership of complex testing activities, solve challenging engineering problems, and directly contribute to the development of advanced aircraft systems. Interested? We'd love to hear from you! Apply now or reach out to learn more.