ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Automotive Software Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Vulcan Elements

Sr. Controls Engineer

Benson, NC · On-site

$78K - $104K/yr

... automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious ... As the Senior Controls Engineer you will lead the controls and software integration for a massive 1 ...

Vulcan Elements

Sr. SCADA/HMI Platform Engineer

Benson, NC · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

... automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious ... Familiarity with REST APIs or other enterprise software level integration methods. * Experience in ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsAutomotive Software Engineer JobsAutomotive Software Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Automotive Software Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$52K

$129.7K

$221.6K

How much do automotive software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive software engineer in Raleigh, NC is $129,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,600.00 and $171,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 does an automotive software engineer do?

An automotive software engineer designs, develops, and tests software systems for vehicles, including embedded systems, control units, and infotainment platforms. They use programming languages like C++, Python, and tools such as AUTOSAR or MATLAB, often working closely with hardware engineers to ensure software integrates properly with vehicle components.
More about Automotive Software Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Automotive Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Automotive Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Automotive Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Automotive Software Engineer job openings:

Automotive Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Software Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,665 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics

Garmin International, Inc.

Cary, NC • On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time experienced Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics on our Explorations Team at our Headquarters location in the Kansas City area, or at our site in Cary, NC. While other engineering product development teams at Garmin primarily focus on designing products, our team focuses on the product enabling technologies that will be essential to those products and will expedite their development. In this role, you will explore various lighting applications involving signal, conspicuity, and forward illumination systems across many of Garmin's business segments.
Essential Functions
  • Design and develop custom non-imaging optical systems for various consumer electronics applications
  • Conduct optical simulation and analysis for concept development and design change verification
  • Transform optical surfaces into mechanical component models that are manufacturable
  • Collaborate with ID, ME, EE, Optical and Illumination engineers throughout development
  • Define boundary constraints for the optics due to ID goals, electromechanical integration, thermal limitations, power budgets, and design for manufacturing
  • Develop optical and photometric requirements to meet product goals
  • Own development of optical design standards and specifications to support evaluation of optical system performance
  • Quickly ideate to conceptualize creative illumination solutions to a maturity necessary to conduct tradeoff analyses and inform risk vs reward
  • Perform benchmark testing and competitive analysis
  • Explore innovative mechanical concepts and complete complex mechanical designs
  • Technology investigations, design, testing/validation, prototyping and supporting technology transfer to product development teams
  • Ability to complete the most difficult tasks as a Master CAD-user including the completion of complex mechanical designs (Solidworks/Onshape preferred )
  • Good knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis
  • Good knowledge of injection molding, die casting, sheet metal stamping, machining, etc
  • Negotiate processes, materials, and design feasibility with factory and vendors
  • Manage basic tradeoffs, determine risk mitigation plans, determine project goal/objective feasibility, provide technical input to product development plans/concept documents, and drive process vendors to evaluate complex mechanical designs and understand risk
  • Lead explorations of new technologies and make estimates on moderately complex mechanical designs including: tooling, part cost, and design time
  • Mentor level 1 and 2 engineers
  • Overseas travel as required

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Master CAD-user (Solidworks/Onshape preferred) - able to complete the most difficult tasks
  • Demonstrated knowledge and capability to use CAD software for completing complex mechanical designs
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Optics, or Physics
  • 5+ years in illumination systems development of automotive exterior or interior lighting or related application
  • Proficient in the use of optical software (LucidShape preferred, LightTools, Zemax, Speos)
  • Experience designing custom reflector and solid optics using optics software and manual raytracing methods in Mechanical CAD
  • Understanding of test methodologies for optical systems
  • Understanding of thermal management of LEDs and associated drivers
  • Experience with dynamic, digital, and software-controlled lighting systems
  • Understanding of CAE/Simulation methods
  • Experience conducting CFD or FEA simulation for early thermal verification of lighting systems
  • Electronic packaging design experience

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

What Garmin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply