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Automotive Tuning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Automotive Tuning information

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$11

$51

$82

How much do automotive tuning jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive tuning in the United States is $51.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.09 and $70.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Tuning Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Tuning Specialist, you need a solid understanding of automotive mechanics, engine systems, and performance optimization, often supported by vocational training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, ECU tuning software, and dynamometers is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication with clients are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are crucial for ensuring vehicles achieve optimal performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in automotive tuning roles?

Professionals in automotive tuning often encounter challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving automotive technologies, ensuring compliance with emissions and safety regulations, and balancing customer performance requests with reliability concerns. Additionally, tuners frequently collaborate with mechanics, engineers, and customers to address unique vehicle setups and troubleshoot unforeseen issues. Regular training and strong diagnostic skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering high-quality results.

What is the difference between Automotive Tuning vs Automotive Diagnostics?

AspectAutomotive TuningAutomotive Diagnostics
Required CredentialsCertifications in ECU programming, engine tuning softwareCertifications in vehicle systems analysis, diagnostic tools
Work EnvironmentPerformance shops, custom tuning garagesService centers, repair shops, dealership service departments
Employer & Industry UsagePerformance enhancement, aftermarket tuningVehicle repair, troubleshooting, maintenance
Common Search & Comparison IntentOptimizing vehicle performanceIdentifying and fixing vehicle issues

Automotive tuning focuses on modifying and enhancing vehicle performance through ECU remapping and custom adjustments, while automotive diagnostics involves identifying and troubleshooting vehicle problems using specialized tools. Both roles require technical certifications and are essential in the automotive industry, but they serve different purposes: tuning improves speed and efficiency, diagnostics ensures vehicle safety and reliability.

What is automotive tuning?

Automotive tuning is the process of modifying and optimizing a vehicle’s engine, electronic control systems, or other components to improve its performance, fuel efficiency, or handling. This can involve adjustments to the engine management system, upgrading parts like exhausts or turbochargers, or recalibrating software for better power output. Tuning can be done for a variety of reasons, such as enhancing speed, increasing horsepower, or achieving better fuel economy. It is important to have tuning performed by professionals to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
More about Automotive Tuning jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Tuning jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Tuning job openings:
What states have the most Automotive Tuning jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Tuning jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automotive Tuning job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,822 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Engineer, Air Suspension Testing & Tuning

Scout Motors

Novi, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again.
But Scout is more than just a brand, it's a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.
The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn't been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements - an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.
At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion.
Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!
What you'll do
At Scout Motors, you don't just design vehicles- you shape the future of the road. Our Engineering team is where bold ideas meet rigorous execution, building machines that are as durable and capable as the people who drive them. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with brilliant minds across disciplines, turning complex challenges into elegant, scalable solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and user experience. This is a place where your fingerprints are found on metal - where what you design gets built, driven, and remembered. If you're hungry to engineer something that matters, Scout Motors is where that ambition finds its highest gear.
Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:
  • Lead the testing, tuning, and development activities for air suspension systems and controlled damping systems.
  • Contribute to the proper design and system architecture of air suspension and semi-active/active damper systems.
  • Tune and validate air suspension, controlled dampers, sway bars, bushings, and related chassis components to meet ride, handling, and off-road performance targets.
  • Create detailed test plans and test cases, ensuring full coverage of on-road, off-road, winter, hot-land, and durability conditions.
  • Conduct subjective and objective evaluations of suspension behavior across relevant proving grounds and environmental conditions.
  • Derive and define air suspension strategies and functions, including leveling, ride-height control, off-road modes, load management, and thermal/energy management functions.
  • Execute testing with advanced tools, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems; analyze results and correlate with simulation models.
  • Prepare detailed reports summarizing findings, objectivations, subjective evaluations, KPIs, and recommended next steps.
  • Work closely with production teams to ensure manufacturability, process alignment, and production readiness of air suspension components and systems.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with chassis DREs, vehicle dynamics, controls, electronics, software, and systems engineering teams.
  • Support virtual development activities (simulation, model-in-the-loop, driving simulators) to complement physical testing.
  • Contribute to best practices, develop test standards, and advanced testing methodologies for air suspension systems.

Location & Travel Expectations:
  • This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
  • This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.
  • Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
What you'll bring
We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You'll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You'll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics, or closely related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in air suspension development, controlled damper development, chassis systems, or vehicle dynamics within OEM or Tier-1 environments.
  • Strong understanding of air suspension mechanics, damper technology, suspension kinematics, and their impact on ride and handling performance.
  • Hands-on experience with on-road and off-road vehicle testing in varied environmental conditions.
  • Familiarity with data acquisition systems and analysis tools; ability to interpret damper curves, suspension characteristics, and control system behaviors.
  • Experience with simulation tools (ADAMS, CarSim, MATLAB/Simulink or comparable) and correlation of physical and virtual test results.
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and cross-functional alignment skills.
  • High motivation to innovate in electric vehicle chassis systems and willingness to engage in hands-on testing.
  • Ability to travel as needed for testing and collaboration.
  • High-performance driving skills and experience testing vehicles at the limit (certifications).
  • Passion for vehicle performance and innovation in mobility
  • Advanced project steering and coordination skills to practice independent project management for a defined development scope
  • Motivation to work at the cutting edge of electric vehicle technical design, creation of new ideas and solutions, and enjoyment of hands-on vehicle testing.
  • Excellent teamwork. Both internally and with external parties
What you'll gain
The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up. This is a chance to create something new and lasting - with an iconic brand at its foundation. In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:
  • Competitive insurance including:
    • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
  • 401(k) program with:
    • An employer match and immediate vesting
  • Generous Paid Time Off including:
    • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
    • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
    • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
    • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
Pay Transparency
This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.
Initial base salary range = $130,000.00 - $160,000.00
Internal leveling code: IC8
Notice to applicants:
  • To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
  • Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
  • Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity
Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.