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Car Key Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dons Lock & Key Inc

Be Seen First

Locksmith

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Repair ignitions, car key replacements, auto key programming, truck unlocking, re-keying vehicles * Responsible for the installation of residential and commercial locks, re-key and install locks

Dons Lock & Key Inc

Be Seen First

Locksmith

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Repair ignitions, car key replacements, auto key programming, truck unlocking, re-keying vehicles * Responsible for the installation of residential and commercial locks, re-key and install locks

Lazimi Locksmith

Be Seen First

Locksmith Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$46K - $64K/yr

Lost car key replacement Remote replacement Lockout service Mechanical key generation (Lishi) Keys by code EEPROM/ soldering for key data OBDII Programming Ignition and door lock rekey/replacement ...

Dorleco

S 102 - Senior Digital Key Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Job Title - Senior Digital Key Engineer Location - Palo Alto CA Position Overview: Need highly ... Deep technical knowledge of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) Digital Key Architecture ...

New

Dorleco

Senior Digital Key Engineer

Redlands, CA · On-site

Position Overview: Need highly skilled and analytical Digital Key Engineer to lead the ... Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standards. Key Responsibilities: End-to-End Implementation:

Apple

iOS Engineer - Wallet

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The Wallet Engineering team is looking for proactive and hardworking software engineers to join our ... car key experience feel just the same as the key fob. Identity completed this platform journey by ...

Apple Inc.

iOS Engineer - Wallet

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

... car key experience feel just the same as the key fob. Identity completed this platform journey by ... As an engineer on our team, your responsibilities will range from high-level user interfaces to ...

Apple

iOS Engineer - Wallet

Cupertino, CA

$172K/yr

The Wallet Engineering team is looking for proactive and hardworking software engineers to join our ... car key experience feel just the same as the key fob. Identity completed this platform journey by ...

Apple

iOS Engineer - Wallet

Cupertino, CA

$172K/yr

The Wallet Engineering team is looking for proactive and hardworking software engineers to join our ... car key experience feel just the same as the key fob. Identity completed this platform journey by ...

Apple

iOS Engineer - Wallet

Cupertino, CA

$172K/yr

The Wallet Engineering team is looking for proactive and hardworking software engineers to join our ... car key experience feel just the same as the key fob. Identity completed this platform journey by ...

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Car Key Programmer information

What is a car key programmer?

Car key programmers are professionals who specialize in programming, duplicating, and reprogramming car keys and key fobs for vehicles. They use specialized tools and software to sync new keys or remotes with a vehicle’s immobilizer system, ensuring that only authorized keys can start the car. Car key programmers are often called upon when someone loses their keys, needs a spare, or encounters issues with their existing car keys or remotes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a car key programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Car Key Programmer, you need a solid understanding of automotive electrical systems, key programming procedures, and diagnostic techniques, often supported by vocational training or certification in automotive locksmithing. Proficiency with key programming devices, diagnostic scan tools, and specialized software is essential for the role. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with customers help set top professionals apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately resolving key and immobilizer issues, ensuring vehicle security, and delivering excellent customer service.

What are some typical challenges faced by car key programmers in the field?

Car Key Programmers often encounter challenges such as dealing with a wide variety of vehicle makes and models, each with differing security protocols and key programming requirements. Staying updated with the latest technology and software tools is essential, as newer vehicles often introduce advanced security systems. Additionally, working in environments like roadside assistance or automotive shops can require quick problem-solving and adaptability, especially when customers are locked out or need urgent help. Collaboration with locksmiths, mechanics, and dealership staff is also common, making strong communication skills valuable in this role.

Do you need a license to program car keys?

Car key programmers typically do not require a formal license to operate, but they must have proper training and knowledge of automotive security systems. In some regions, certain tools or services may be regulated, and technicians may need certifications or licenses to perform advanced programming or work legally on vehicles. It's important to follow local laws and manufacturer guidelines when programming car keys.

How much does a car key programmer make?

Car key programmers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work in a repair shop or as mobile technicians. Skilled technicians with certifications and experience in automotive security systems may earn higher wages or additional bonuses.

What are popular job titles related to Car Key Programmer jobs in California?

For Car Key Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Car Key Programmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Car Key Programmer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Car Key Programmer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Car Key Programmer job openings:

Car Key Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Key Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Software Development Engineer in Test, Car Key, Wireless Technologies & Ecosystems

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Appleexternal

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The WTE Quality team is looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test who combines strong programming and debugging instincts with a forward-thinking approach to AI-assisted engineering. This role is at the center of Apple's Car Key validation efforts -- where critical thinking, tight collaboration, and modern tooling converge to ship features that millions of people rely on every day.
Description
As a Software Development Engineer in Test on the Car Key team, you will write, debug, and maintain the automation that validates Apple's Digital Car Key features across embedded systems and wireless protocols. You will work closely with development and quality engineers to identify issues, isolate root causes, and ensure that Car Key functionality meets Apple's quality bar. This role places a strong emphasis on leveraging LLM-based tools like Claude Code to accelerate development workflows, improve test coverage, and solve problems more efficiently. You will be expected to think critically about complex system behavior, collaborate effectively across teams, and continuously push for better ways to validate software at the embedded level.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on test automation, debugging, or system validation
Strong programming skills in Python
Proficiency in Objective-C and/or Swift
Demonstrated experience using AI/ML tools and LLMs (e.g., Claude Code, coding assistants) to enhance engineering productivity
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to isolate issues in complex systems
Proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional team environments
Preferred Qualifications
Experience testing or validating embedded systems
Experience with automation frameworks for hardware/software integration testing
Deep familiarity with wireless protocols including NFC, BLE, and UWB
Experience with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) Digital Key specification
Proficiency with git, CI/CD systems, and development integration lifecycles
Familiarity with prompt engineering and the ability to design effective LLM workflows for engineering tasks
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About Apple

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Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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