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Automotive Performance Engineer Jobs in California

034Motorsport

PERFORMANCE HARD PARTS ENGINEER

Fremont, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Overview 034Motorsport is a leading automotive engineering firm specializing in performance products, tuning, racing, and service for Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. We are seeking qualified candidates ...

Qualcomm

System Performance Engineer, Senior

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122.50 - $183.70/hr

... Automotive, IOT, Server and Data Center AI. Key Responsibilities * Enable, profile and analyze ... engineering, etc.) to implement optimal power, performance, and thermal solutions. * Provide ...

Qualcomm

System Performance Engineer, Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

$148.30 - $222.50/hr

... Mobile, Compute, Automotive, and IOT. In the role of System Performance Engineer, you will ... collaborate with software, hardware, and architecture teams to optimize power, performance, and ...

Quadric

AI Performance Modeling Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$180 - $225/hr

Our technology powers intelligent edge devices across automotive, industrial, robotics, and ... As an AI Performance Modeling Engineer , you will build analytical, cycle-level performance models ...

Qualcomm

System Performance Engineer, Senior

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

... Automotive, IOT, Server and Data Center AI. In the role of System Performance Engineer, you will ... collaborate with software, hardware, and architecture teams to optimize power, performance, and ...

Banks Power

Mechanical Design Engineer

Azusa, CA

$77K - $104K/yr

We are seeking an aspiring Mechanical Design Engineer to help us design and develop high-performance automotive products and systems using CAD, CFD, FEA tools. You will manage design projects from ...

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Automotive Performance Engineer information

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How much do automotive performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive performance engineer in California is $59.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.65 and $67.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive performance engineer do?

An Automotive Performance Engineer focuses on optimizing vehicle performance, including engine power, handling, aerodynamics, and fuel efficiency. They conduct tests, analyze data, and collaborate with design teams to enhance speed, durability, and overall driving experience. Their work involves using simulation tools, dynamometers, and real-world testing to fine-tune components. These engineers often work in motorsports, high-performance vehicle manufacturing, or research and development.

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

To thrive as an Automotive Performance Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in vehicle dynamics, engine tuning, and data analysis. Familiarity with tools such as dynamometers, simulation software (like MATLAB or Simulink), and industry certifications such as ASE or similar are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, clear communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure that performance engineers can optimize vehicle systems effectively, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and drive innovation in a competitive automotive environment.

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

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

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

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

Automotive Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Performance Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,381 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Senior System Software Engineer, Automotive Performance

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a distinctive heritage of innovation fueled by outstanding technology-and remarkable people. Today, we're harnessing the boundless possibilities of AI to build the next era of computing.

An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll engage in a varied, nurturing atmosphere where all individuals are driven to deliver their finest work.

Join our team and discover how you can build a meaningful impact on the world. Join NVIDIA, an established leader in computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for over 25 years. We are embarking on a new era fueled by AI.

We are in search of a remarkable Automotive Performance Senior Software Engineer to join our energetic team. You will participate in groundbreaking projects that drive technology and innovation forward. Our team values cooperation, and your work will impact leading performance solutions in the automotive industry.

What you'll be doing: Play a key role in optimizing system software for Nvidia automotive performance platforms with Safe RTOS. Collaborate closely with Hardware Architecture, DriveOS, Power, and Test teams to track key boot & runtime performance benchmarks. Ensure the software and hardware meet projected targets by closely supervising micro benchmarks and industry-standard benchmarks across IPs.

Contribute to developing innovative features in automotive profiling tools with AI assistance. Benchmark the hypervisor and ensure the lowest overhead on ARM systems. Collaborate with the ADAS/AV team in optimizing the next-gen stack from NVIDIA on Tegra platforms.

What we need to see: Master's degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. A minimum of 12 years of proven experience in systems or software performance. Solid C/C++ programming abilities accompanied by previous experience in the automotive sector.

Proficiency in Linux and QNX; Knowledge of Android is advantageous but not mandatory. Solid understanding of Benchmarking, boot time optimization, compiler optimizations and runtime performance improvements. Knowledge of hypervisors, virtualization, and overhead analysis.

Experience working with profiling utilities to improve system software efficiency. AI/ML experience is highly desirable. Widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/ Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5, and 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD for Level 6. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 11, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy. NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

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