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Automotive Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Sensors Systems Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$142.20 - $213.20/hr

Engineering Group - Multimedia Systems Job Summary Sensors‑based technology is applied to ... automotive, IoT, smartwatches and other consumer electronics. The position covers the entire ...

Qualifications: BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field. 4+ years of experience in automotive restraint systems, with direct ownership of driver airbag and/or steering wheel systems. Strong ...

Sensing Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

$276K - $310K/yr

Align requirements across Robotics, AV Product, Hardware, Vehicle SW and Automotive Product ... Strong systems engineering capability, including translating high-level product or model needs into ...

Qualifications: • BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field. • 4+ years of experience in automotive restraint systems, with direct ownership of driver airbag and/or steering wheel systems ...

Qualifications: ● BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field. ● 4+ years of experience in automotive restraint systems, with direct ownership of driver airbag and/or steering wheel systems ...

Sensing Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$276K - $310K/yr

Align requirements across Robotics, AV Product, Hardware, Vehicle SW and Automotive Product ... Strong systems engineering capability, including translating high-level product or model needs into ...

Electrical Systems Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

You'll report to the Manager, Commercial Systems Engineering and work closely with a lean, high ... Familiarity with automotive or industrial communication protocols (CAN/J1939, Modbus, Profinet ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$114K - $156K/yr

Required Qualifications Experience * 5+ years of Systems Engineering experience in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or similar multidisciplinary hardware/software systems * Proven track record ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Fremont, CA

$114K - $156K/yr

Required Qualifications Experience * 5+ years of Systems Engineering experience in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or similar multidisciplinary hardware/software systems * Proven track record ...

Showing results 21-40

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 22, 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:

Infographic showing various Automotive Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer

AEye, Inc

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Senior Systems Engineer
We are looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our systems engineering team and collaborate with internal architecture, hardware, software, firmware, and mechanical teams to drive the specifications of AEye's lidar and its variants. You evaluate and characterize lidar technologies and products, develop physics-based models, build and test prototype modules and samples, and run lab and field tests to validate performance against specifications. Working across cross-functional teams, you help meet system-level targets, partnering with engineering, program, and business development.
Key Responsibilities
  • Specification and requirements: collaborate with internal architecture, hardware, software, firmware, and mechanical teams to drive the specifications of the lidar and its variants. Help decompose system-level targets into subsystem requirements (EE / ME / FW / SW).
  • Evaluation and characterization: evaluate and characterize lidar technologies, subsystems, and products. Develop physics-based models to predict and assess performance, and define the KPIs (for example range, accuracy, false alarm rate, separability) used to measure it.
  • Prototyping and validation: define and work on prototype modules and samples, perform bench bring-ups, and execute lab and field tests to validate module performance against specifications, including environmental and eye-safety standards.
  • Cross-functional collaboration: work with cross-functional teams to meet system-level targets, debug hardware and software interfaces, and resolve data quality and point cloud issues at the system level.
  • Manufacturing transition: support the transition of prototypes through R&D validation into production, including production integration, calibration, and design-for-x.
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Optics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in optoelectronic or sensor systems engineering, preferably in lidar or active depth sensing.
  • Experience collaborating across architecture, hardware, software, and mechanical teams to drive system and subsystem specifications.
  • Proficiency in system simulation, performance modeling, and data analysis.
  • Strong grounding in the physics of the system: lasers and device physics, optics, and signal processing, together with the optical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal aspects of system design.
  • Proficiency in scripting for modeling, data analysis, and test automation (Python preferred).
  • Hands-on experience evaluating and characterizing optical or electro-optical subsystems, including prototype bring-up, lab and field testing, and common failure modes.
  • Experience with sensor calibration, production integration, and the transition of prototypes into production.
  • Strong technical documentation: requirements, specifications, test plans, and reports.

Preferred
  • MS. or Ph.D. in a related field.
  • Proficiency in C++ and the ability to read, debug, and modify production code, and experience developing algorithms for point cloud processing or calibration.
  • Familiarity with automotive functional safety and qualification standards (for example ISO 26262, AEC-Q, ASPICE, AUTOSAR, MISRA, V-Model, SAFe).
  • Experience with sensor fusion, time synchronization, and perception applications.
  • Experience across the full lifecycle of automotive, aerospace, or industrial sensor development and production.
  • Familiarity with ROS or ROS2.
  • Experience with automated test scripts and CI pipelines.
  • Comfortable working in Linux environments, including shell, networking basics, and log analysis.
  • Project management experience or certification (for example PMP).

Position is onsite a minimum of 3 days at our Pleasanton, CA Office
Base Annual Salary Range: $140K-180K