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Automotive Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wayve

Automotive System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The role As automotive system engineer, you will be responsible for designing the L2/L3 automotive ... Actively test and validate systems in vehicles to gain direct experience and provide firsthand ...

Wayve

Automotive System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

$209K/yr

The role As automotive system engineer, you will be responsible for designing the L2/L3 automotive ... Actively test and validate systems in vehicles to gain direct experience and provide firsthand ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

System Integration Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA 5 days in office We are seeking a System ... Deep knowledge of developing automotive systems using model-based processes. Deep knowledge of ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

System Integration Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office We are seeking a System ... Deep knowledge of developing automotive systems using model-based processes. Deep knowledge of ...

DCS Corporation

Systems Engineer

Point Mugu Nawc, CA · On-site

The System Engineer will work closely with Department of War customers and cross-functional ... Familiarity with military vehicle systems, embedded systems, mission equipment, automotive ...

NXP Semiconductors

Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$158K/yr

Serve as part of the Innovation team building next generation automotive radar and self-driving ... Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Systems ...

NXP Semiconductors N.V.

Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$196K - $270K/yr

Serve as part of the Innovation team building next generation automotive radar and self-driving ... Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Systems ...

ALTEN Technology USA

Systems Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

... automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group--57,000 ... Berkeley, CA We are looking for a Systems Engineer to join our team and bridge the gap between ...

AEye, Inc

Senior Systems Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer We are looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our systems ... Familiarity with automotive functional safety and qualification standards (for example ISO 26262 ...

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All JobsAutomotive Systems Engineer JobsAutomotive Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Automotive Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do automotive systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive systems engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive systems engineer do?

An Automotive Systems Engineer designs, develops, and integrates complex vehicle systems, ensuring functionality, safety, and efficiency. They work on various automotive components, such as powertrains, electronics, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Their role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, using simulation tools, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, they analyze system performance and troubleshoot issues to enhance vehicle performance and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive systems engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or automotive engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in systems integration. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, CAN communication protocols, and automotive CAD software, along with certifications like ASE or ISO 26262, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and navigate complex project requirements. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring vehicle systems are safe, efficient, and meet regulatory standards in a rapidly evolving automotive industry.

What does a typical workday look like for an automotive systems engineer?

A typical day for an Automotive Systems Engineer involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design, test, and integrate vehicle subsystems such as powertrain, electronics, and safety features. You may review system specifications, develop simulation models, troubleshoot issues on prototypes, and document testing results. Regular meetings with project managers and suppliers are common to ensure all components fit together seamlessly. This blend of hands-on technical work and cross-functional coordination makes the role dynamic and essential to the successful development of modern vehicles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Systems Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automotive Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Systems Engineer jobs in California?

For Automotive Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Systems Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

Automotive Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Automotive System Engineer

Wayve

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The role
As automotive system engineer, you will be responsible for designing the L2/L3 automotive grade system based on our AV2.0 approach. This includes the strategy and the concept of how to embed our fundamentally new autonomy solution in future OEM vehicle infrastructures. You will also engage with our customers and represent our approach and our company in the planning of collaboration projects.
You will grow with the company and be critical in establishing how we design our system closely with software engineering leads. Our stack includes base software for sensor data processing, neural network execution and diagnostics and robotic functions for vehicle control.
You will also act as a coach to others towards an automotive grade, requirement based development mindset to help teams deliver automotive grade software.
Key responsibilities:
Requirement Definition:
  • Define clear, actionable system requirements for assigned products, whether focused on L2+, L3 automated driving, or ADAS functionalities.
  • Collaborate with product managers, software developers, and hardware teams to ensure requirements align with customer and business needs.
  • Ensure traceability and alignment of requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
  1. Data Driven Development:
    • Create comprehensive scenarios that the system must handle, ensuring it performs reliably in various real-world conditions. Support for selecting and creating such testing scenarios from data corpus and for ensuring that data-driven insights guide system development and testing processes.
    • Ensures that scenario definitions are validated and refined through collaboration with multiple teams, aligning with overall business and customer needs.
  2. Support Implementation:
    • Work closely with software developers to align on data collection requirements, scenarios, KPIs and behaviour specifications
    • Work closely with the solutions and architecture teams to develop the system architecture based on the system requirements and customer constraints.
    • Oversee and support the integration of solutions into vehicles, ensuring seamless functionality and compatibility.
  3. Hands-On Testing:
    • Actively test and validate systems in vehicles to gain direct experience and provide firsthand feedback.
    • Analyze performance in real-world scenarios, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
    • Define test specifications at the system-level (working with the HIL team) and the vehicle-level integration.
  4. Problem Resolution:
    • Serve as the first line of support for problem resolution, diagnosing and addressing system issues.
    • Collaborate across teams to escalate and resolve complex issues, ensuring timely solutions.
  5. Continuous Improvement:
    • Provide input on process enhancements and system optimizations based on testing and user feedback.
    • Contribute to the continuous evolution of Wayve's L2+/L3 and ADAS technologies.
About you
In order to set you up for success as a Systems Engineer at Wayve, we're looking for the following skills and experience.
Essential
  • Experience:
    • 5+ years of experience in system engineering, automotive development, or related fields.
    • Proven experience in defining and managing requirements for complex systems, preferably in ADAS or automated driving domains.
    • Proficiency in requirements management (e.g., Jama, DOORS) and system engineering tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Enterprise Architect)
  • Technical Skills:
    • Strong understanding of automotive systems, including sensors (cameras, radars, etc.), software integration, and vehicle dynamics.
    • Experience with system validation and troubleshooting in real-world conditions.
  • Soft Skills:
    • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues effectively.
    • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a proactive and hands-on approach.
    • A forward-thinking mindset and experience in implementing disruptive technologies using traditional automotive processes.
  • Education:
    • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
    • Familiarity with automotive safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, SOTIF) is a plus.

Desirable
  • Knowledge of AI and machine learning frameworks and experience with data and test driven development, incl. KPI generation and tracking
  • Experience with software development for automotive applications, including experience in C/C++ and/or Python.
  • Experience with system-level validation of AI components, including edge-case scenario testing and robustness assessment.

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