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Automotive Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wayve

Technical Operations Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Exposure to automotive testing protocols, validation frameworks, or OEM partnership programs. * Experience supporting scaling in global, distributed teams with complex technical dependencies.

BYTON

Automotive UI Tester

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Acting as a client surrogate in testing new features, design and perform ... Developing embedded systems and/or Automotive • Bachelor in Automotive/Embedded Software/Computer ...

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How much do automotive testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

Technical Operations Manager

Wayve

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

The role
We're looking for a Technical Operations Manager to join Wayve's Technical Operations function, acting as the critical bridge between Science, Product, Engineering, and Operations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic, high-growth environments and has proven experience translating complex technical strategies into actionable field operations.
You'll lead critical testing and demonstration programs across our global operations-spanning roadshow campaigns, customer-specific programs, and on-road validation activities-working cross-functionally to ensure structured feedback loops between field operations and development teams. This role is key to our transformation from an R&D-focused operation to a world-class, delivery-grade commercial AV organization that can execute seamlessly with customers and partners.
Key responsibilities:
  • Technical and Operations Enablement: Convert high-level program plans into clear, actionable on-road plans in partnership with Fleet Operations leadership, ensuring alignment on scheduling, safety, and operational feasibility across diverse testing requirements.
  • Testing and Validation: Lead execution across internal-facing and external-facing programs, coordinating between technical teams and operations to ensure seamless testing and validation execution while maintaining safety protocols and capturing valuable feedback.
  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as the connective tissue between model developers, researchers, product teams, and operations, ensuring two-way visibility and structured feedback loops that drive faster iteration on features, releases, and model performance.
  • Operational Readiness: Collaborate closely with Fleet Operations to maintain consistent experiment design, vehicle availability, and process quality across testing programs, ensuring repeatable, high-quality delivery at scale.
  • Continuous Improvement: Partner with Systems and Enablement teams to leverage fleet data, systems, and metrics for collaborative problem-solving and refinement of testing processes and internal tooling, quantifying improvements in operational performance.
  • Innovation in Testing & Evaluation: Proactively brainstorm and explore new experimental methods (e.g., adversarial route selection, edge case testing concepts), fostering a culture of curiosity and bold experimentation to uncover insights that drive novel breakthroughs.
  • Technical Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with model development teams, combining strategic thinking with practical operational expertise to maximize the value of every test, dataset, and feedback loop in support of commercial objectives.
About you
In order to set you up for success as a Technical Operations Manager at Wayve, we're looking for the following skills and experience.
Essential
  • Demonstrable' experience in technical program management or operations roles at the intersection of R&D, product development, and field testing in high-complexity environments (e.g., autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, or advanced mobility).
  • Proven track record of managing programs, demonstrations, or operations that require tight coordination between technical development teams and operational execution.
  • Deep experience with test planning, operational readiness frameworks, and structured feedback loops between field operations and technical development teams.
  • Strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills: able to lead cross-functional workshops and coordinate between Engineering, Science, Product, and Operations teams effectively.
  • Proven ability to influence across teams and functions, including remote and international stakeholders in fast-paced technology environments.
  • Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills with experience creating technical documentation, SOPs, and stakeholder presentations.
  • Ability to travel internationally up to 30% of the time to support on-site program coordination across testing regions.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working in ambiguous, rapidly evolving environments with competing priorities.

Desirable
  • Experience in autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, or field robotics operations.
  • Exposure to automotive testing protocols, validation frameworks, or OEM partnership programs.
  • Experience supporting scaling in global, distributed teams with complex technical dependencies.
  • Experience with data analysis and performance tracking; able to build or interpret dashboards, identify operational bottlenecks, and quantify program improvements.
  • Comfortable with project management tools such as Confluence, Asana/Jira, or equivalent, and experience implementing operational tracking systems.
  • Background in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) or operational excellence frameworks.
  • Familiarity with vehicle commissioning processes, fleet management systems, or automotive safety protocols.

This role is a full-time role based in Sunnyvale, CA (hybrid) and the reasonably estimated salary for this role ranges from $171,000 to $229,000, plus a competitive equity package. Actual compensation is based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.

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