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Automotive Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pi Square Technologies LLC

Test Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$49.50 - $65.25/hr

We are seeking a skilled Test Automation Engineer to support automated ECU validation and embedded ... Support validation activities for automotive ECUs and communication interfaces. * Integrate ...

Purple Hires Inc

Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Good knowledge of Automotive exterior lighting systems along with Key components (Head Lamp, Tail Lamp, Center light panel, corner lamps) * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a ...

Karma Automotive

Diagnostics Validation Intern

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

... Engineering, or a related field. * Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. * Interest in automotive software, diagnostics, or vehicle systems. * Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced ...

Pentangle Tech

Exterior Design release Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in automotive exterior trim components and subsystem * Ability to create and completion of Bumper, Cladding ...

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All JobsAutomotive Engineer JobsAutomotive Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Automotive Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29

$36

$53

How much do automotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive engineer in Riverside, CA is $36.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.36 and $36.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior automotive engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in design and systems integration, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or companies. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, typically requiring advanced degrees and specialized certifications.

What is the highest paid automotive engineer?

The highest paid automotive engineers typically work in senior or executive roles such as lead engineers, R&D managers, or specialized consultants, often earning over $150,000 annually. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry sector, with those in advanced research, electric vehicle development, or working for major automakers or tech companies earning the highest compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree in automotive or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards such as ISO and SAE, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are typically required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and respond to rapidly changing technologies. These skills ensure successful vehicle design, compliance with safety standards, and innovation in a competitive automotive market.

What Does an Automotive Engineer Do?

Automotive engineers design, develop, and test the mechanical components and subsystems of vehicles. As an automotive engineer, you may be asked to create engineering specifications, conduct design reviews, provide technical direction to other staff, modify existing parts in a lab, or perform various analyses. In some cases, automotive engineers perform emergency tests and checks to search for manufacturing defects and decide whether or not a recall should be ordered.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior automotive engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in design and systems, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000, especially in high-paying industries or companies. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced degrees and certifications. These roles are usually found in executive or specialized engineering positions within the automotive sector.

What does an automotive engineer do?

An automotive engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing vehicles and their subsystems. They work on improving the performance, safety, and efficiency of cars, trucks, and other automobiles. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers to create new technologies, address regulatory requirements, and solve engineering challenges in vehicle production. Automotive engineers may specialize in areas such as structural design, electronics, or powertrain systems.

What are some common challenges automotive engineers face when working on new vehicle models?

Automotive engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing innovative design with strict safety and regulatory standards. They must also work within tight project timelines and budget constraints, all while ensuring that new technologies are both reliable and manufacturable at scale. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—including designers, software specialists, and manufacturing engineers—is essential to address issues such as integration of electronics, fuel efficiency, and sustainability. Navigating these complexities requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

What is the difference between Automotive Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAutomotive EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or related fields; possibly certifications like SAE or ASEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentAutomotive manufacturing plants, R&D labs, design studiosFactories, design offices, research labs across various industries
Industry UsageAutomotive industry focus on vehicle design, testing, and productionBroad industry application including aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and more

Automotive Engineers specialize in vehicle design, testing, and manufacturing within the automotive industry, often requiring specific automotive certifications. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working across multiple industries with similar foundational skills. Both roles share core engineering principles but differ in industry focus and application.

What jobs can automotive engineers do?

Automotive engineers can work in vehicle design, development, testing, and manufacturing. They often specialize in areas such as powertrain systems, safety features, or electronics, and may work in research labs, production plants, or design studios. Strong skills in CAD software, physics, and materials science are essential for these roles.
More about Automotive Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Automotive Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Automotive Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Automotive Engineer job openings:
Automotive Engineer jobs near you
Test Automation Engineer

Test Automation Engineer

Pi Square Technologies LLC

Irvine, CA • On-site

$49.50 - $65.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Description
We are seeking a skilled Test Automation Engineer to support automated ECU validation and embedded system testing for automotive platforms. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable automated test frameworks and scripts to improve test efficiency, reliability, and coverage across software and hardware validation activities.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop automated test frameworks for ECU and embedded system validation.
  • Create, execute, and maintain automated test scripts for functional, integration, regression, and system-level testing.
  • Support validation activities for automotive ECUs and communication interfaces.
  • Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines and validation workflows.
  • Collaborate with firmware, software, hardware, and systems engineering teams to identify test requirements and improve test coverage.
  • Analyze test results, debug failures, and provide detailed defect reports.
  • Support HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) and SIL testing environments.
  • Improve automation efficiency, reusability, and reporting capabilities.
  • Maintain test documentation, automation standards, and validation procedures.

Required Skills
  • Strong experience in test automation development using Python, CAPL, C#, or scripting languages.
  • Experience with ECU validation and embedded systems testing.
  • Knowledge of automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, Ethernet, UART, SPI, and I2C.
  • Hands-on experience with automation tools such as CANoe, CANalyzer, Vector tools, or NI platforms.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD tools and automated test execution environments.
  • Understanding of HIL/SIL testing methodologies.
  • Experience with defect tracking and test management tools.
  • Strong debugging and analytical problem-solving skills.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in test automation or embedded validation engineering.
  • Automotive industry experience preferred.
    Job Description
    We are seeking a skilled Test Automation Engineer to support automated ECU validation and embedded system testing for automotive platforms. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable automated test frameworks and scripts to improve test efficiency, reliability, and coverage across software and hardware validation activities.
    Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop automated test frameworks for ECU and embedded system validation.
  • Create, execute, and maintain automated test scripts for functional, integration, regression, and system-level testing.
  • Support validation activities for automotive ECUs and communication interfaces.
  • Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines and validation workflows.
  • Collaborate with firmware, software, hardware, and systems engineering teams to identify test requirements and improve test coverage.
  • Analyze test results, debug failures, and provide detailed defect reports.
  • Support HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) and SIL testing environments.
  • Improve automation efficiency, reusability, and reporting capabilities.
  • Maintain test documentation, automation standards, and validation procedures.
  • Required Skills
  • Strong experience in test automation development using Python, CAPL, C#, or scripting languages.
  • Experience with ECU validation and embedded systems testing.
  • Knowledge of automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, Ethernet, UART, SPI, and I2C.
  • Hands-on experience with automation tools such as CANoe, CANalyzer, Vector tools, or NI platforms.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD tools and automated test execution environments.
  • Understanding of HIL/SIL testing methodologies.
  • Experience with defect tracking and test management tools.
  • Strong debugging and analytical problem-solving skills.
  • Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in test automation or embedded validation engineering.
  • Automotive industry experience preferred.

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