1

Automotive Performance Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm is seeking a low-level embedded performance engineer with a strong foundation in CPU, DSP, and system architecture to drive end-to-end performance improvements across our automotive compute ...

Core Performance Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$254K - $310K/yr

... automotive, data center, mobile, and consumer. With SiFive, the future of RISC-V has no limits. At ... Guide a team of performance engineers to research, model and develop architecture / micro ...

Performance Architect

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$165K/yr

As a Performance Architect in Embedded Processor Architecture, Engineering & Solutions (EPAES) team ... IoT, automotive, and embedded market segments. * Characterize workload performance and develop ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Automotive Performance Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$10

$55

$91

How much do automotive performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive performance engineer in Texas is $56.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.91 and $63.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automotive Performance Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 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 typical daily responsibilities of an Automotive Performance Engineer?

Automotive Performance Engineers typically spend their days conducting vehicle tests, analyzing performance data, and developing strategies to enhance powertrain, suspension, and overall vehicle performance. They collaborate closely with design, testing, and manufacturing teams to implement improvements and troubleshoot issues. The role also involves using simulation software and diagnostic tools to validate engineering changes and ensure compliance with safety or emissions standards. This mix of hands-on testing, data analysis, and teamwork makes the job dynamic and rewarding for those passionate about automotive innovation.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Performance Engineer jobs in Texas? For Automotive Performance Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Performance Engineer jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Performance Engineer jobs in Texas are:
Infographic showing various Automotive Performance Engineer job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,474 per year, or $56 per hour.
CPU/DSP Performance Engineer

CPU/DSP Performance Engineer

Qualcomm

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 188 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > DSP Architecture and Design
General Summary:
About the Role:
Qualcomm is seeking a low-level embedded performance engineer with a strong foundation in CPU, DSP, and system architecture to drive end-to-end performance improvements across our automotive compute platforms. This role focuses on CPU & NPU interactions, analyzing and optimizing latency, throughput, power, and utilization across the full software and hardware stack. We're looking for someone with a hacker mindset-curious, resourceful, and eager to dive deep into systems, reverse engineer behavior, and solve complex performance challenges close to the metal.
The ideal candidate will be proficient in processor architecture, C/C++ and assembly, embedded operating systems, and performance profiling tools.
Experience with AI workloads and large language models (LLMs) is a plus but not required.
Responsibilities:
  • Benchmark and analyze performance of multi-threaded and multi-processor software.
  • Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across software, architecture, and micro-architecture layers.
  • Analyze ML KPIs to guide optimization efforts.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams across hardware and software domains.
  • Develop and maintain tools for performance analysis and tuning.
  • Stay current with advancements in computer architecture, micro-architecture, and AI model design.

Qualifications:
  • Proficiency in low-level debugging and performance analysis, including interpreting traces, counters, and system-level behavior
  • Strong background in operating systems, computer architecture, and micro-architecture.
  • Experience with multi-threaded and multi-processor systems.
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Skills:
  • Hands-on experience with debugging (gdb, lldb, winDbg or similar) and performance profiling tools (perf, VTune, Nsight or similar).
  • Familiarity with SIMD and SPMD execution models.
  • Understanding of hardware-software co-design principles.
  • Familiarity with linear algebra, and precision aware arithmetic is a plus.
  • Understanding of how ML architectures map to the hardware is a plus.
  • Knowledge of ML frameworks and libraries (ggml/llama.cpp or similar) is a plus.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience.
  • OR Master's degree in a related field and 1+ years of relevant experience.
  • OR PhD in a related field.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• 2+ years of experience with high-performance microprocessor design.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$154,000.00 - $231,000.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985