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Automotive Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Software Security Architect

Santa Clara, CA

Are you passionate about software security and looking to make a significant impact in the automotive industry? Join NVIDIA, a world-class leader in AI and accelerated computing, as a Software ...

TiltEdge Solutions LLC

SW Lead

Mountain View, CA · On-site

Min 15 yrs. experience in Automotive Software with min 2 yrs in infotainment/Telematics * Non-Autosar platform - Bootloader, Diagnostics, peripheral drivers' development and integration, BSP ...

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Automotive Software information

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$5

$38

How much do automotive software jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive software in California is $37.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.40 and $38.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is automotive software?

Automotive software refers to the specialized programs and code used to control, monitor, and enhance the functions of vehicles. This software is responsible for everything from engine management and safety systems to navigation, entertainment, and connectivity features. With the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles, automotive software has become increasingly complex and important, integrating with sensors, cameras, and various electronic control units to ensure optimal performance and safety. Professionals in this field may work on embedded systems, diagnostics, cybersecurity, or user interfaces within vehicles.

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 solid background in computer science, embedded systems, and automotive protocols, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with automotive standards. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB/Simulink, CAN bus analyzers, AUTOSAR architecture, and certifications such as ISO 26262 are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this field. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, safe, and innovative software solutions that meet the rigorous demands of modern automotive systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in automotive software development?

Professionals in automotive software development often navigate challenges such as ensuring compliance with strict industry safety standards (like ISO 26262), integrating new software with legacy vehicle systems, and keeping up with rapid advancements in automotive technology. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers and quality assurance specialists, is essential for successful project delivery. Additionally, managing tight development timelines while maintaining high reliability and cybersecurity requirements can be demanding, but it also offers significant opportunities for skill growth and innovation.

What is the difference between Automotive Software vs Automotive Electronics Technician?

AspectAutomotive SoftwareAutomotive Electronics Technician
Required CredentialsProgramming certifications, software development degreesElectronics certifications, technical diplomas
Work EnvironmentSoftware development labs, vehicle simulation environmentsRepair shops, automotive service centers
Industry UsageDeveloping vehicle control systems, infotainment softwareDiagnosing and repairing vehicle electronic systems

Automotive Software focuses on creating and maintaining software for vehicles, while Automotive Electronics Technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing electronic systems within vehicles. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in skills, tools, and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Software jobs in California? For Automotive Software jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Software jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Software jobs in California are:
Automotive Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Software job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,837 per year, or $37.9 per hour.
Director of Engineering - Automotive Software

Director of Engineering - Automotive Software

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$268K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 245 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:
$207,600.00 - $311,400.00
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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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