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Automotive Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waymo

Automotive Testing Lead, Japan

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

Experience with physical hands-on testing of vehicles (ADAS, vehicle dynamics, low-voltage systems, system integration) * Strong background in systems engineering, test engineering, or automotive ...

Waymo

Automotive Testing Lead, Japan

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$196K - $242K/yr

Experience with physical hands-on testing of vehicles (ADAS, vehicle dynamics, low-voltage systems, system integration) * Strong background in systems engineering, test engineering, or automotive ...

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How much do automotive testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive testing in California is $27.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $32.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive testing?

An Automotive Testing job involves evaluating vehicles, components, and systems to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Professionals in this role conduct tests on engines, brakes, emissions, electronics, and other vehicle systems using specialized equipment and software. They analyze data, identify issues, and collaborate with engineers to improve design and functionality. Automotive testers work in laboratories, test tracks, and real-world conditions to validate vehicle reliability and efficiency. Their goal is to enhance vehicle safety, durability, and compliance with industry regulations.

What does an automotive testing do?

A typical day in Automotive Testing involves setting up and conducting tests on vehicles or components, analyzing performance data, and documenting results. You might run diagnostics, evaluate safety features, and troubleshoot issues alongside engineers and designers. Collaboration is key, as you'll often work within cross-functional teams to identify and address problems. The role strikes a balance between hands-on technical work in the lab or testing facility and preparing reports or providing feedback to development teams. This environment provides ongoing opportunities to learn and take on more responsibilities, especially as you gain experience with advanced automotive technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in automotive testing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Automotive Testing, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of automotive systems, and a degree in automotive engineering or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, test equipment, data acquisition systems, and relevant certifications like ASE or ISTQB can be important. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help in accurately documenting results and collaborating with engineering teams. These skills are critical for ensuring vehicle reliability, safety, and compliance with industry standards.

How to become an automotive testing professional?

To become an automotive testing professional, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with vehicle systems, testing procedures, and tools such as diagnostic software is important, along with developing strong analytical and technical skills. Certifications in automotive testing or quality assurance can enhance job prospects.

Is automotive testing a good career?

Automotive testing is a viable career that involves evaluating vehicle safety, performance, and compliance with industry standards. It requires technical skills, knowledge of testing tools and protocols, and often involves working in labs or on test tracks. The field offers opportunities for specialization and advancement, with a focus on quality assurance and product development.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Testing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automotive Testing job openings:

Automotive Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Testing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,056 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Automotive Testing Lead, Japan

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in groundbreaking new ways. We set the high performance standards that ensure our vehicles run smoothly and keep passengers safe, then design and perform the tests that validate that performance. We're looking for talented teammates who'll help us maintain strong teamwork and are passionate about driving results.

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to Systems Test Engineering Lead.

You will:

  • Act as Waymo's test engineering representative across a number of technical domains, helping partners develop test strategies for requirements, detailed test plans, scripts, and clear judgement criteria.
  • Guide partners in the transition from manual testing methodologies to automated, data-driven approaches, partnering with internal infrastructure teams to build solutions that accelerate the test-to-reporting feedback loop.
  • Spearhead cross-functional collaboration between Waymo and OEM stakeholders, identifying operational gaps, mentoring partner engineers, and building their expertise in complex, cross-system validation.
  • Define, execute, and manage early vehicle smoke test campaigns, establishing strict entry/exit criteria to validate "SDS-Ready" software releases before upstream integration.
  • Scale and lead in-territory vehicle-level testing operations, actively managing daily physical test execution alongside embedded vendor teams.
  • Ensure strict traceability and logging standards are met across all external test executions to guarantee seamless integration into Waymo's central data repositories.

You have:

  • Professional fluency in Japanese (N1 level or equivalent)
  • Experience with physical hands-on testing of vehicles (ADAS, vehicle dynamics, low-voltage systems, system integration)
  • Strong background in systems engineering, test engineering, or automotive validation
  • Demonstrated leadership experience with a track record of coordinating with and leading vendor teams
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive technical consensus across different organizational cultures

We prefer:

  • Experience managing external partners or suppliers in a technical capacity
  • Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., Jama, DOORS) and issue tracking (e.g., Jira)
  • Strong knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and experience developing verification coverage plans from system level requirements
  • Proficiency in Python or SQL for test automation

Travel requirements:

  • Willingness to travel to Japan up to 50% of the time

Apply