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Automotive Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automotive World Inc

Automotive Mechanic

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$20 - $52/hr

Automotive Service Excellence/ASE certification or Society of Automotive Engineers/SAE certification is preferred * Strong customer service and communications skills are required * Automotive repair ...

Automotive World Inc

Automotive Mechanic

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$20 - $52/hr

Automotive Service Excellence/ASE certification or Society of Automotive Engineers/SAE certification is preferred * Strong customer service and communications skills are required * Automotive repair ...

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Automotive Programming information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do automotive programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive programming in California is $39.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or daily tasks an Automotive Programming professional might work on?

Automotive Programming professionals are often involved in designing, coding, and testing software modules for vehicle control systems such as engine management, infotainment, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Daily tasks may include writing and debugging embedded code, conducting hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, integrating software components, and collaborating closely with mechanical and systems engineers. You may also participate in code reviews and address real-time issues found during system validation. This role provides a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact vehicle safety, performance, and user experience.

How to become an automotive programmer?

To become an automotive programmer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Skills in programming languages such as C, C++, and Python, along with knowledge of automotive systems and embedded systems, are essential. Gaining experience through internships or certifications in automotive software development can also improve job prospects.

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

To thrive in Automotive Programming, you need expertise in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and automotive communication protocols such as CAN or LIN, often supported by a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, Simulink, automotive-grade IDEs, and certifications in functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and clear technical communication will help you excel in cross-functional environments. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of modern automotive software systems.

What is automotive programming?

Automotive programming involves writing and modifying software for vehicle electronic control units (ECUs) to improve performance, diagnostics, or features. It requires knowledge of automotive systems, programming languages like C or C++, and tools such as diagnostic scanners or specialized software. Professionals in this field often work in automotive repair shops, manufacturing, or software development for vehicle systems.

How much do automotive programmers make?

Automotive programmers, who develop software for vehicle systems, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific skills such as embedded systems or automotive protocols. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced developers with specialized knowledge can earn higher salaries.

What is an Automotive Programming job?

An Automotive Programming job involves developing and implementing software for vehicles, including engine control units (ECUs), infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Professionals in this field work with programming languages such as C, C++, and Python to write embedded software that enhances vehicle performance, safety, and user experience. They may also focus on diagnostics, network communication (e.g., CAN bus), and integrating machine learning or AI for autonomous driving. This role requires a strong understanding of automotive electronics, real-time operating systems, and industry standards like AUTOSAR.

What is the highest paying job in automotive?

In automotive programming, senior roles such as Automotive Software Development Manager or Lead Engineer typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced programming skills, experience with embedded systems, and knowledge of automotive standards like AUTOSAR or CAN bus.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Programming jobs in California? The most popular types of Automotive Programming jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Programming jobs in California? For Automotive Programming jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Programming jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Programming jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Programming jobs? Cities in California with the most Automotive Programming job openings:
Automotive Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Programming job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.

Automotive Mechanical Engineer - Expert

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Manufacturing - Automotive (Mechanical Engineering) Expert
Type: Contract
Compensation: $1,150–$1,450/task
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Build a realistic digital workspace centered on the Drive folders you use daily. Include design reviews, DFMEA/PFMEA documents, PPAP packages, tolerance analyses, benchmarking decks, test reports, and email threads.
  • Design multi-step tasks grounded in real workflows. Require navigation of multiple apps, files, and stakeholders to challenge frontier AI agents.
  • Collaborate with other automotive engineering experts to design the environment, shape task scope, and review scenarios for realism and rigor.
  • Work asynchronously with research teams to refine task designs and evaluation criteria for automotive engineering agent benchmarks.
  • Contribute to frontier AI research and benchmarking. Your work directly informs how leading labs train and evaluate the next generation of AI systems.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
  • 3+ years of full-time experience at a Fortune 500 automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier.
  • Expertise in vehicle or subsystem design, CAE/CAD/simulation engineering, manufacturing/process engineering, or quality engineering.
  • Day-to-day use of ANSYS Fluent/STAR-CCM+, Siemens Opcenter, or SAP S/4HANA.
  • Strong analytical thinking and writing skills.

Compensation & Legal

  • Task Completion Pay: Competitive and based on task quality.
  • Performance Bonus: Weekly bonus incentive for top performers.
  • Hourly Opportunity: Potential transition to hourly compensation for sustained quality and throughput.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.