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Autonomous Driving Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Autonomous Driving information

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How much do autonomous driving jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous driving in California is $21.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is autonomous driving?

Autonomous driving refers to the use of technology to enable vehicles to navigate and operate without direct human input. These vehicles use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence to perceive their environment and make driving decisions. The goal is to improve road safety, reduce human error, and increase transportation efficiency. Autonomous driving systems are typically categorized by levels, ranging from driver assistance to fully self-driving vehicles. This field is rapidly evolving, with ongoing research and real-world testing by automotive and technology companies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in autonomous driving roles?

Professionals in autonomous driving often encounter challenges such as integrating complex sensor data, ensuring the reliability of AI algorithms in unpredictable environments, and meeting strict safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration is key, as teams typically work cross-functionally with hardware, software, and quality assurance groups to solve technical issues and validate system performance. Adapting to rapidly evolving technology and maintaining clear communication across disciplines are essential for success in this dynamic field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an autonomous driving engineer role, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Driving Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, robotics, and engineering, often demonstrated by a relevant degree and experience in machine learning or computer vision. Proficiency with programming languages such as Python and C++, as well as familiarity with simulation tools, ROS (Robot Operating System), and sensor integration (e.g., LiDAR, radar), is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and adaptability help you effectively tackle complex technical challenges and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the development of safe, reliable, and innovative autonomous vehicle systems that meet rigorous industry standards.

What is the difference between Autonomous Driving vs Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineer?

AspectAutonomous DrivingAutonomous Vehicle Software Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, specialized training in AI, robotics, or automotive systemsComputer science, software engineering degrees, programming skills in C++, Python
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, automotive companies, testing facilitiesSoftware development teams, automotive tech companies, simulation environments
Industry UsageDeveloping and testing autonomous vehicle systemsDesigning and coding software for autonomous vehicle functions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Autonomous Driving focuses on the overall development, testing, and deployment of self-driving vehicle systems, often involving hardware integration and real-world testing. Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineers primarily concentrate on coding, software design, and algorithm development for autonomous vehicle functionalities. Both roles require technical expertise, but Autonomous Driving is broader, encompassing system integration, while Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineers specialize in software development within the autonomous vehicle industry.

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Driving jobs in California?

For Autonomous Driving jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autonomous Driving jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous Driving jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Autonomous Driving jobs?

Cities in California with the most Autonomous Driving job openings:

Autonomous Driving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Driving job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,877 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Senior Autonomous Vehicle Technician

Los Angeles, CA

TSMG
See more jobs at TSMGexternal

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for experienced Senior Autonomous Vehicle Technicians to support the maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and operational readiness of autonomous vehicle fleets and robotaxi operations across North America.

As a Senior Autonomous Vehicle Technician, you will be responsible for ensuring that electric and autonomous vehicles remain safe, reliable, and ready for daily deployment. This role supports autonomous ride-hailing services, robotaxi fleet operations, on-road testing programs, and new city launches where vehicle uptime, technical precision, and safety compliance are critical.

You will work closely with AV Operations Leads, Depot Specialists, Safety Operators, SDS Specialists, engineering teams, and fleet operations teams to minimize vehicle downtime and keep the fleet operational. The role combines hands-on automotive repair, EV diagnostics, high-voltage safety, software updates, and support for autonomous driving hardware.

This position is ideal for an experienced automotive technician who wants to move into the future of mobility and work directly with electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, ADAS technology, robotics, and self-driving vehicle platforms.

Key Responsibilities
Autonomous Vehicle Maintenance
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on electric and autonomous vehicles used in robotaxi fleet operations.
  • Ensure vehicles are technically ready for daily deployment, testing, commercial operations, and autonomous ride-hailing services.
  • Conduct detailed vehicle inspections to support fleet readiness, vehicle uptime, and operational safety.
  • Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software-related vehicle issues.
  • Support maintenance workflows for high-availability autonomous vehicle fleets operating in shift-based or 24/7 environments.
Advanced Diagnostics & Repair
  • Perform advanced diagnostics on EV platforms, ADAS systems, autonomous driving hardware, and vehicle electronic systems.
  • Use OEM diagnostic tools, service software, and technical procedures to identify root causes of vehicle faults.
  • Troubleshoot issues related to battery systems, drivetrains, braking systems, steering systems, sensors, cameras, wiring, and vehicle control modules.
  • Replace, repair, and validate vehicle components according to safety, quality, and technical standards.
  • Escalate complex technical issues to engineering teams with clear documentation and diagnostic findings.
EV & High-Voltage Systems
  • Work safely with electric vehicle systems, including high-voltage batteries, charging systems, inverters, and electric drivetrains.
  • Follow strict high-voltage safety procedures when performing diagnostics, repairs, and component replacements.
  • Support charging readiness and EV fleet availability in coordination with depot operations.
  • Identify risks related to EV systems and escalate safety concerns immediately.
Autonomous Driving Hardware Support
  • Support installation, inspection, and replacement of autonomous vehicle hardware components.
  • Assist with checks related to cameras, LiDAR, radar, compute units, wiring harnesses, sensor mounts, and related vehicle systems.
  • Coordinate with SDS Specialists when issues involve the self-driving system, sensor calibration, or autonomous driving software.
  • Ensure autonomous driving hardware remains properly installed, clean, functional, and ready for operation.
Software Updates & Technical Validation
  • Perform vehicle software updates, configuration changes, and validation checks according to defined procedures.
  • Support post-repair testing to confirm vehicle functionality before returning the vehicle to robotaxi operations.
  • Verify that repairs and maintenance actions do not impact vehicle safety, operational readiness, or autonomous system performance.
  • Maintain accurate service records, diagnostic reports, and repair documentation.
Shift Leadership & Team Support
  • Act as the technical lead during assigned shifts when required.
  • Provide guidance and escalation support to junior technicians, depot teams, and fleet operations staff.
  • Support training of new technicians on vehicle maintenance procedures, safety standards, and operational workflows.
  • Collaborate with Operations Leads to prioritize vehicle repairs and reduce fleet downtime.
Operational Excellence
  • Help improve maintenance processes, vehicle turnaround time, and fleet reliability.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to fleet maintenance, depot operations, and autonomous vehicle deployment.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe technical workspace within the depot.
  • Ensure all work is completed according to safety procedures, quality standards, and customer requirements.
Requirements
Essential
  • Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience as an automotive technician, service technician, EV technician, or diagnostic technician.
  • Strong experience with automotive diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.
  • Good understanding of electrical and electronic vehicle systems.
  • Experience using diagnostic tools, service software, and technical repair documentation.
  • Ability to follow strict technical procedures and safety protocols.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • Comfortable working in shift-based operations, including evenings, weekends, or 24/7 fleet environments when required.
  • Upper-Intermediate English.
Strongly Preferred
  • Experience working with electric vehicles, high-voltage systems, or modern EV platforms.
  • High-voltage certification or EV safety training.
  • Experience with ADAS, autonomous vehicles, robotics, or advanced automotive systems.
  • OEM certification or dealership experience with EV or premium vehicle platforms.
  • Experience supporting fleet maintenance, ride-hailing fleets, mobility services, or commercial vehicle operations.
What We Are Looking For

Successful Senior Autonomous Vehicle Technicians are highly precise, safety-focused, and comfortable working with complex vehicle systems. They understand that in robotaxi fleet operations, every repair, inspection, and diagnostic decision directly impacts fleet uptime, operational safety, and the success of autonomous mobility deployment.

You should be comfortable working in a depot environment where vehicles must be maintained, repaired, validated, and returned to service quickly and safely. This role requires a strong technical mindset, discipline, and the ability to collaborate with operations and engineering teams supporting self-driving vehicle programs.

What We Offer
  • Opportunity to work with advanced electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.
  • Hands-on involvement in robotaxi fleet operations, autonomous vehicle deployment, and autonomous ride-hailing services across North America.
  • Exposure to ADAS, self-driving systems, EV platforms, robotics, and next-generation mobility technologies.
  • Structured onboarding and technical training.
  • Long-term career development in autonomous mobility, EV fleet operations, and technical fleet maintenance.
  • Collaborative work with operations, engineering, depot, and safety teams.
  • Opportunity to support new city launches, fleet scaling, and commercial autonomous vehicle programs.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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