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Automotive Performance Tuning Jobs in Seattle, WA

SAP MDG Technical Developer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Support defect resolution, performance tuning, and production support activities. * Mentor junior ... Experience in Aerospace, Manufacturing, Utilities, or Automotive industries. * Exposure to Agile ...

Automotive Performance Tuning information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$47.2K

$93K

$175.3K

How much do automotive performance tuning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive performance tuning in Seattle, WA is $92,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $97,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Automotive Performance Tuning jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Performance Tuning jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Performance Tuning job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,959 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Engineering Manager, Onboard Execution Performance

Zoox

Seattle, WA • On-site

$255K - $320K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Zoox is building the world's most advanced self-driving hardware and software solution. The efficiency demands of such a system require an expert fine tuning of both the compute hardware architecture as well as the algorithms and middleware that runs on it to achieve maximum throughput at the most optimal power levels.
The Software Performance team keeps the main onboard computer healthy and performant to ensure that our on-bot autonomy software meets its latency targets while also accommodating its safety goals. We are responsible for the efficient allocation of onboard compute resources (CPU/GPU/Memory/accelerators) ensuring contention is minimized and the autonomy stack executes harmoniously.
As the Onboard Execution team leader within the Performance team, you will lead a highly specialized team of software performance engineers in aggressively optimizing on-bot software runtime. This is a high impact role that sits at the intersection of ML Platform, Core, and Autonomy Software - ensuring that efficient compute utilization is a central tenet emphasized across the organization.
In this role, you will:
  • Manage a team of 8-to-10 engineers focused on optimizing the software performance of the on-bot autonomy software stack.
  • Partner with Autonomy, ML Platform, Middleware, Sensors, and Hardware Architecture teams to meet strict system response (latency) and compute utilization targets.
  • Achieve alignment between cross-functional leaders across the Software organization on compute resource allocations and budgets.
  • Hire, grow, and develop talent in the realm of performance optimization.
  • Build self-service force-multiplier frameworks & workflows that empower developers to deliver efficient & performant software.

Qualifications
  • BS in computer science, computer engineering, or related field
  • Proficiency with C++ & concurrent (parallel) execution systems
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of the Linux operating system and GPU accelerated execution
  • Proven track record of cross-functional collaboration and leadership alignment
  • Prior experience managing teams of five or more full-time software engineers

Bonus Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with GPU runtime frameworks (CUDA, TensorRT, or XLA)
  • Experience in robotics, aviation, automotive, or high-performance computing space
  • Have shipped real-time or near-real-time software autonomy or robotics software in production
  • Experiencing debugging and optimizing CPU, GPU kernels, and ML models using tools like NVIDIA Nsight Systems and
  • Compute, Perfetto or similar compute observability tools

$255,000 - $320,000 a year
Base Salary Range
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
About Zoox
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We're looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.
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Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] or your assigned recruiter.
A Final Note:
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.