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Automotive Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Automotive Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$101.3K

$159.9K

How much do automotive project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive project manager in California is $101,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do automotive project managers coordinate with cross-functional teams during vehicle development projects?

Automotive Project Managers often serve as the central point of communication between engineering, design, manufacturing, procurement, and quality assurance teams. They facilitate regular meetings to track progress, identify dependencies, and resolve any roadblocks that may arise. Effective coordination involves aligning diverse stakeholder goals, managing timelines, and ensuring that all departments have the resources and information needed to meet project milestones. This collaborative approach is crucial to delivering vehicles on schedule and within budget, while also maintaining high quality standards.

What is the difference between Automotive Project Manager vs Automotive Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Project ManagerAutomotive Engineer
CredentialsProject management certifications, relevant automotive experienceEngineering degrees (BSc, MSc), technical certifications
Work EnvironmentProject teams, cross-functional departments, management settingsDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageOversees automotive projects, manages timelines and budgetsDevelops vehicle components, conducts testing and design

While both roles are integral to the automotive industry, an Automotive Project Manager focuses on coordinating projects, timelines, and teams, whereas an Automotive Engineer is involved in the technical design and development of vehicle systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the automotive sector.

What is an automotive project manager?

Automotive Project Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of projects within the automotive industry. They coordinate between different teams, such as engineering, design, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure that automotive projects—like new vehicle development or component launches—are completed on time, within budget, and to required specifications. Their role involves managing schedules, budgets, risks, and communication among stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive project manager?

To thrive as an Automotive Project Manager, you need a strong understanding of automotive engineering principles, project management methodologies, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, automotive design software (e.g., CATIA), and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are highly valuable. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in coordinating cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards in the fast-paced automotive industry.
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Project Manager jobs in California? For Automotive Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Project Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Project Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Automotive Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Automotive Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,337 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Automotive Project Engineer

CEREBRUM SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES INC

Van Nuys, CA • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Cerebrum:

Cerebrum Sensor Technologies is a California-based startup that develops and distributes innovative tire sensors, receivers and software. Utilizing over a decade of rubber bonding experience, patented technology and extensive research and development, Cerebrum has emerged to fulfill the industry's need for universal, OEM and aftermarket smart tire solutions that improve safety, tire and vehicle performance and support the continuous improvement of autonomous vehicles.

If you are a results-driven Mechanical Engineer with a passion for automobiles and technology project management and development, as well as a commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions, we invite you to apply for the position of Project Engineer in our innovative and growing team.

Job Overview:

As a Project Engineer, you will play a key role in the planning, execution, and completion of mechanical, software, electrical and industrial engineering projects. Leveraging your technical expertise and project management skills, you will contribute to the successful delivery of projects, ensuring they meet quality standards, are completed within budget, and adhere to established timelines. Project include but are not limited to: hardware and software design, prototyping, testing, and launch, research and development, technical and marketing product documentation, technical support including direct interaction with customers, algorithm development, procurement, and interaction with other departments (local and work-from-home resources, subcontractors, etc.).

Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning:

· Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets in collaboration with manager(s) and cross-functional teams.

· Define project scopes, objectives, and deliverables.

2. Design and Engineering:

· Lead the design process, including the creation of detailed drawings, specifications, algorithms, calculations, testing and deployment.

· Ensure that designs comply with industry standards, regulations, and client requirements.

3. Material Selection and Procurement:

· Collaborate with procurement teams to select appropriate materials for projects.

· Oversee the procurement process, ensuring timely delivery of materials within budget constraints.

4. Risk Management:

· Identify and assess potential risks associated with project execution.

· Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.

5. Quality Assurance:

· Establish and enforce quality assurance processes to ensure that project deliverables meet specified standards.

· Conduct regular inspections and quality audits.

6. Project Execution:

· Oversee the execution of engineering projects, coordinating activities and resources.

· Monitor project progress and adjust to ensure successful completion.

7. Collaboration:

· Work closely with cross-functional teams, including internal and external engineers, managers, technicians and sometimes customers.

· Collaborate with clients, vendors, and contractors to achieve project objectives.

8. Budget and Cost Control:

· Monitor project budgets and expenditures, ensuring that costs are controlled and remain within approved limits.

· Provide cost estimates for components and labor when applicable.

9. Documentation:

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including design files, engineering calculations, and project reports.

· Achieve efficiency and automation through the development of templates and tools.

· Develop wireframes and workflow documents for distribution to other engineers, suppliers, and customers.

· Ensure compliance with documentation standards and protocols.

10. Communication:

· Communicate project status, updates, and potential issues to project stakeholders.

· Facilitate regular project meetings to review progress and address concerns.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree or greater in Mechanical / Industrial Engineering or a related field.

· Proven experience as an engineer (ideally automotive), with a focus on project management.

· Basic proficiency in CAD software and other engineering tools.

· Strong computer skills and familiarity with common applications (Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Illustrator, Excel, etc.).

· Experience with artificial intelligence tools.

· Excellent project management and organizational skills.

· Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

· Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy.

· Able to proactively address challenges and root cause problem solve.

· Lean manufacturing, six sigma, or similar experience.

· Self-motivated and independent work ethic.

Benefits:

· Competitive salary and benefits package.

· Opportunities for professional development and growth.

· Dynamic and collaborative work environment.