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Automotive Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Kett Engineering

Be Seen First

Contract Test Driver

Carson, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

We specialize in supporting vehicle testing, development, and personnel management for leading automotive manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers across various testing environments. Overview We are ...

Akraya Inc.

EOL Technician: 26-00943

Newark, CA · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

HVD Testing-Expert, Automotive Testing-Advanced, Electrical Design-Advanced, Lab Equipment-Intermediate, Electrical Design-Intermediate, Contract Type: W2 Contract Duration: 2+ Months with extension ...

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Automotive Testing information

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How much do automotive testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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 job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automotive Testing position, 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.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Automotive Testing?

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 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 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 $57,056 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Automotive Testing Lead, Japan

Automotive Testing Lead, Japan

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$196K - $242K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.

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

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.

Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Salary Range
$196,000—$242,000 USD

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