1

Automotive Performance Tuning Jobs in Austin, TX

Advanced Engineer, Power System Controls

Austin, TX · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

... control algorithms, tuning system parameters, and analyzing data to ensure performance meets ... Ability to travel, as needed, by plane, automobile, etc. We are not accepting candidates who ...

Showing results 21-33

Automotive Performance Tuning information

See Austin, TX salary details

$41.1K

$81K

$152.6K

How much do automotive performance tuning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive performance tuning in Austin, TX is $80,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,400.00 and $85,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in automotive performance tuning, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in automotive performance tuning is staying updated with rapidly evolving vehicle technologies and electronic control systems. Tuners often need to work with a wide variety of makes and models, each with unique engine management software and hardware. Additionally, balancing client expectations for performance gains with reliability and emissions compliance can be demanding. Successful professionals continue their education through training and certifications, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and use advanced diagnostic tools to overcome these obstacles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in automotive performance tuning, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Performance Tuning Specialist, you need a strong understanding of automotive mechanics, engine management systems, and vehicle electronics, often supported by relevant technical training or certifications. Familiarity with tuning software (such as HP Tuners or EFI Live), diagnostic tools, and dynamometers is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication with clients are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure that vehicles are safely optimized for performance and reliability while meeting client expectations.

What is automotive performance tuning?

Automotive performance tuning refers to the process of modifying a vehicle’s engine, electronics, and other systems to improve its power, speed, responsiveness, and overall driving performance. This can involve adjustments such as remapping the engine control unit (ECU), upgrading exhaust systems, enhancing air intake, or installing performance parts. Tuning can be done for different goals, such as increasing horsepower, improving fuel efficiency, or optimizing the car for specific driving conditions. It’s important to work with professionals to ensure modifications are safe and comply with local regulations.

What is the difference between Automotive Performance Tuning vs Automotive Mechanic?

AspectAutomotive Performance TuningAutomotive Mechanic
CredentialsSpecialized tuning certifications, manufacturer trainingASE certifications, technical diplomas
Work EnvironmentCustom shops, racing teams, aftermarket tuning facilitiesRepair shops, dealerships, service centers
Job FocusOptimizing vehicle performance, modifying engine componentsDiagnosing and repairing vehicle issues
Industry UsageHigh-performance, racing, aftermarket modificationsGeneral vehicle maintenance and repair

Automotive Performance Tuning and Automotive Mechanics share some technical skills and certifications, but differ mainly in their focus. Performance tuners specialize in enhancing vehicle power and efficiency through modifications, often working in aftermarket or racing environments. Mechanics focus on diagnosing and repairing a wide range of vehicle issues in service centers. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their daily tasks and industry settings vary significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Performance Tuning jobs in Austin, TX? For Automotive Performance Tuning jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Performance Tuning jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Performance Tuning jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Automotive Performance Tuning jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Automotive Performance Tuning job openings:
Infographic showing various Automotive Performance Tuning job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,966 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel & Driver Development

General Motors

Austin, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,274 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to [Austin, TX] three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business if more than 3 days].

General Motors is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our team as a Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel & Driver Development. As a global leader in the automotive industry, General Motors is committed to delivering high-quality vehicles that exceed customer expectations. This role will be instrumental in the bring-up of next-generation automotive computing platforms, focusing on Linux kernel development, device drivers, low-level system integration, diagnostics, and health monitoring for our in-vehicle infotainment and embedded systems.

Specific job responsibilities include:

Develop and enhance Linux kernel and device drivers, including those for camera sensors, display interfaces, multimedia subsystems, and networking (WLAN, LAN, BLE, BT5.0).

Lead system bring-up activities, including bootloader configuration, camera pipeline initialization, board support package (BSP) development, and low-level debugging.

Integrate and optimize hardware components, including USB, PCIe, I2C-connected peripherals, and Ethernet interfaces to ensure seamless operation within our embedded software stack.

Develop and implement diagnostics and health monitoring solutions, ensuring system reliability, predictive maintenance, and fault detection in critical automotive systems.

Analyze and troubleshoot low-level system issues, particularly in camera interfaces (MIPI-CSI, ISP bring-up), high-speed data buses, and network connectivity.

Support manufacturing and production processes, including hardware validation, firmware flashing, and end-of-line testing to ensure smooth integration of software into production vehicles.

Work closely with hardware teams to validate and debug platform issues, ensuring optimal hardware-software interaction.

Contribute to upstream Linux kernel development and work with open-source communities where applicable.

Define Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and work towards continuously improving software stability, performance, and maintainability.

Additional Job Description

Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, or Work equivalent experience

8+ years of experience in embedded Linux kernel development, device driver programming, and board bring-up.

Expertise in Linux kernel internals, including memory management, scheduling, file systems, and IPC mechanisms.

Experience in camera bring-up, including MIPI-CSI, ISP tuning, V4L2 framework, and image processing pipelines.

Strong experience with BSP development, bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot), and firmware integration.

Deep knowledge of communication protocols such as USB, PCIe, I2C, SPI, and MIPI-CSI.

Experience with Ethernet interfaces (WLAN, LAN) and network protocols (BLE, Bluetooth 5.0).

Proficiency in diagnostics, health monitoring, and fault detection for embedded systems.

Familiarity with manufacturing and production support, including hardware validation, firmware flashing, and end-of-line testing.

Proficiency in low-level debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, GDB, ftrace, kdump, perf).

Experience with SoC architectures and hardware interaction at the register level.

Knowledge of power management techniques, security frameworks, and real-time optimizations in Linux-based systems.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex system issues across software and hardware domains.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

8+ years of experience in embedded Linux kernel development, device driver programming, and board bring-up.

Expertise in Linux kernel internals, including memory management, scheduling, file systems, and IPC mechanisms.

Experience in camera bring-up, including MIPI-CSI, ISP tuning, V4L2 framework, and image processing pipelines.

Strong experience with BSP development, bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot), and firmware integration.

Deep knowledge of communication protocols such as USB, PCIe, I2C, SPI, and MIPI-CSI.

Experience with Ethernet interfaces (WLAN, LAN) and network protocols (BLE, Bluetooth 5.0).

Proficiency in diagnostics, health monitoring, and fault detection for embedded systems.

Familiarity with manufacturing and production support, including hardware validation, firmware flashing, and end-of-line testing.

Proficiency in low-level debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, GDB, ftrace, kdump, perf).

Experience with SoC architectures and hardware interaction at the register level.

Knowledge of power management techniques, security frameworks, and real-time optimizations in Linux-based systems.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex system issues across software and hardware domains.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

"Company Vehicle: Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate. Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards Resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


Working at General Motors


What General Motors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Motors logo

About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908