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Automotive Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

#Automotive Software Test, Sr.

San Diego, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is a leader in digital wireless technologies and is seeking innovative engineers for their Automotive Software Test position. The role involves developing and executing ...

Atego

Software Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

Automotive software development experience * Experience with Test-Driven Development, Continuous ... The selected engineer will be well compensated. Please see and for more information. Zeeland ...

Yochana

Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$60/hr

Strong understanding of automotive EE architectures and development lifecycles * Proficiency in real-time operating systems, embedded software frameworks, and interface development * Programming ...

Kasmo Global

Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA

The Software Engineer will use their strong background in embedded systems, automotive software development, and system-level architecture to collaborate with cross-functional teams from VW Group and ...

Qualcomm

Automotive Software Test, Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: Qualcomm is a company ... We are seeking ambitious, bright and innovative engineers with experience in Automotive software ...

Qualcomm

#Automotive Software Test, Sr.

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111K - $166K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: ***This position is ... We are seeking ambitious, bright and innovative engineers with experience in Automotive software ...

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Automotive Software Engineer information

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$56.5K

$141K

$241K

How much do automotive software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive software engineer in the United States is $141,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $186,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior automotive software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in embedded systems, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand markets or with bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced expertise, certifications, and a track record of significant contributions to complex projects.

What is the salary of automotive software engineer?

The average salary for an automotive software engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in embedded systems or autonomous vehicle software may earn higher salaries.

What does a automotive software engineer do?

An automotive software engineer designs, develops, and tests software systems for vehicles, including embedded systems, control units, and user interfaces. They work with programming languages like C and C++, utilize tools such as MATLAB and CAN bus protocols, and often collaborate with hardware teams to ensure software integrates properly with vehicle components.

What are some common challenges Automotive Software Engineers face when integrating software with vehicle hardware?

Automotive Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring seamless communication between software systems and a variety of vehicle hardware components, such as sensors and electronic control units (ECUs). This requires a deep understanding of embedded systems, real-time processing, and rigorous testing to meet industry safety and reliability standards. Additionally, engineers must adapt to rapidly evolving automotive technologies and maintain compliance with strict regulatory requirements. Collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams is essential to address these challenges efficiently.

What Is an Automotive Software Engineer?

An automotive software engineer is responsible for the design and development of software systems used in car technology. These solutions may be used to control various environmental systems of a car, such as its wheels for automatic parking. As an automotive software engineer, your job duties include designing software solutions, programming software, and troubleshooting bugs. The career typically requires a bachelor’s in engineering, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree. You also need experience with software or system development in the automotive field, as well as an understanding of software design methods, operating systems, and programming languages. Additional qualifications include excellent technical skills and analytical problem-solving ability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, embedded systems, and automotive-specific protocols, usually supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with programming languages like C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and experience using automotive tools such as CAN, AUTOSAR, and diagnostic systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for developing reliable, safe, and innovative automotive software in a highly regulated and technologically advanced industry.

What does an Automotive Software Engineer do?

An Automotive Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems used in vehicles. This includes software for vehicle control systems, infotainment, safety features, navigation, and autonomous driving technologies. They work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between software and automotive components. Their role is critical in modern vehicles, which rely heavily on software for functionality, safety, and user experience.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior automotive software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in embedded systems, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves working in advanced development environments, with expertise in areas like autonomous driving, AI, or cybersecurity, and may include bonuses or stock options.
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What are popular job titles related to Automotive Software Engineer jobs? For Automotive Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Automotive Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,011 per year, or $67.8 per hour.
Director/Principal Engineer - Automotive Software

Director/Principal Engineer - Automotive Software

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 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 191 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
Seeking highly skilled and motivated Director/Principal level Customer Project Engineer for Automotive Software Platform team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire lifecycle of automotive software projects from concept to completion. This includes analyzing project requirements, preparing schedules, coordinating team tasks, and ensuring that projects meet quality standards and are completed on time. In this highly visible role, you will interface directly with the OEM's engineering executives and Qualcomm's senior technical and business leadership.
You will:
  • Develop a deep understanding of the OEM's roadmap, vehicle and backend architecture, requirements, and constraints
  • Lead and coordinate all technical aspects of business acquisition, delivery execution, and post-SOP maintenance
  • Represent the "voice of the customer" in internal forums, escalating needs and driving alignment across Qualcomm engineering, product management, program management, and sales

Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership:
  • Act as the chief technical counterpart to the OEM's engineering leadership for all Cockpit (IVI), ADAS and related programs.
  • Serve as the main technical point of contact covering SoC, platform software, tools, and system integration topics.
  • Work with Software Product (SP) PE internally and manage external customer deliverables/expectations/escalations
  • Lead and manage automotive software engineering projects from conception to completion.
  • Prepare, schedule, coordinate, and monitor the assigned engineering projects.
  • Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with the customer's engineering executives, architects, and program leads.
  • Anticipate customer needs and translate them into Qualcomm platform requirements, features, and solutions.
  • Lead the technical workstreams for RFIs/RFQs and advanced engagement discussions with the OEM.
  • Define technical solution proposals based on Qualcomm's product portfolio, including SoCs, BSP, Platform Software and reference platforms.

Program Execution & Delivery
  • Provide overarching technical leadership for all active programs with the OEM, across all phases (concept, development, validation, SOP, and maintenance).
  • Coordinate and synchronize Qualcomm internal engineering teams (HW, SW, systems, safety, security, tools, test) to meet customer milestones.
  • Drive resolution of critical technical issues, ensuring timely escalation and clear communication to both customer and Qualcomm management.
  • Support design reviews, technical workshops, joint debugging sessions, and on-site integration activities as needed.
  • Coordinate with customers and other stakeholders to ensure the Software delivery meet project requirements.
  • Identify, analyze, and mitigate project risks and issues.
  • Implement and manage project changes and interventions to achieve project outputs.
  • Monitor and report on project progress, problems, and solutions.
  • Ensure that all engineering work meets standards and customer specifications.

Voice of the Customer & Internal Alignment
  • Represent the customer's priorities, constraints, and pain points in internal reviews, roadmap discussions, and management meetings.
  • Provide structured feedback to product management and engineering on gaps, competitive pressure, and future requirements.
  • Ensure internal stakeholders understand customer commitments, program risk, and required trade-offs.

Technical Thought Leadership & Mentoring
  • Act as a technical role model: hands-on, detail-oriented, and able to deep-dive into complex system issues when required.
  • Guide and mentor cross-functional Qualcomm teams working on the customer, helping them prioritize and solve problems effectively.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 4+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Extensive experience in software engineering, including project management and leadership roles.
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles and practices.
  • Strong background in automotive systems engineering with focus on:
    • Compute platform architecture (SoC, GPU/DSP, accelerators)
    • Embedded SW stacks (OS such as QNX/Linux/Android, middleware, frameworks, toolchains)
  • Solid understanding of automotive safety and quality frameworks (e.g., ISO 26262, ASPICE, cybersecurity standards) and their impact on architecture and execution.
  • Proven experience as a customer-facing technical leader, such as chief engineer, system architect, technical program lead, or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority in a complex matrix organization.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, data-driven and structured, with ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
  • Willingness to travel regularly to customer and Qualcomm sites (domestic and international).
  • Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering complex software projects.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, independently with minimal supervision.
  • Experience with software development methodologies and tools.

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:
$192,600.00 - $289,000.00
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.
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About Qualcomm

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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

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