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Car Tuning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tech-mex

Software / Database Developer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

... tuning, car mounts, NIS, DNS) -Strong knowledge and experience in OS Hardening, Performance Tuning, Kernel Customization, Cryptographic protocols Key management protocols Data protection software ...

Saasventurecapital

AI Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$250 - $300/hr

Transfer learning and fine-tuning strategies * Build robust evaluation and debugging systems to ... Have 5+ years of AI modeling experience, specifically within the self-driving car industry (or PhD ...

PRECISION MOTIVE, INC.

Be Seen First

Automotive Specialist - Classic & Modern American Muscle

Fresno, CA · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

We are a family-owned, legacy hot rod and muscle car shop built on integrity and high-quality ... tuning, and full frame-off restorations for classic domestic muscle cars and Corvettes. Why Join ...

PRECISION MOTIVE, INC.

Be Seen First

Automotive Specialist - Classic & Modern American Muscle

Hayward, CA · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

We are a family-owned, legacy hot rod and muscle car shop built on integrity and high-quality ... tuning, and full frame-off restorations for classic domestic muscle cars and Corvettes. Why Join ...

J M Group Inc

Senior Digital Key Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standards. Key Responsibilities End-to-End Implementation ... Performance Tuning: Optimize physical-layer connection workflows to meet strict latency thresholds ...

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Car Tuning information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$47

How much do car tuning jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for car tuning in California is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is car tuning?

Car tuning is the process of modifying a vehicle to improve its performance, appearance, or handling. This can include adjustments to the engine, suspension, exhaust system, or computer software to boost power, increase fuel efficiency, or create a customized driving experience. Car enthusiasts often tune their vehicles for better speed, acceleration, or unique styling. Tuning can range from simple upgrades like replacing air filters to complex modifications like engine remapping.

What are car tuning jobs?

Car tuning jobs involve modifying the engine or body of a car to prepare it for a race or exhibition. An auto technician, or performance technician, alters the car’s engine or software to increase the car's speed, handling, or other measurable performance. Auto body specialists make cosmetic additions or changes to the body of the vehicle, such as body kits, spoilers, and side skirts. They may also add visuals using vinyl wraps, paint, or stencils. Car tuners often choose to specialize; they may focus on engine or body modifications, or they may specialize further and only modify certain manufacturers or types of cars.

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

To thrive as a Car Tuning Specialist, you need in-depth automotive knowledge, mechanical aptitude, and experience with engine management systems, often supported by relevant technical training or automotive certifications. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, ECU tuning software, and performance measurement systems is essential for effective modifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong customer communication skills help ensure client satisfaction and high-quality results. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing vehicle performance safely and meeting customer expectations in a specialized automotive field.

What are some common challenges car tuners face when working on modern vehicles?

Car tuners often face challenges when working on modern vehicles due to the complexity of electronic control units (ECUs) and integrated software systems. Many newer cars require specialized tools and up-to-date knowledge of proprietary software to safely modify performance settings without causing drivability issues or voiding warranties. Additionally, tuners must stay informed about evolving emission standards and legal regulations, which can vary by region and impact the types of modifications allowed. Working collaboratively with other automotive professionals, such as mechanics and diagnostic technicians, is often necessary to ensure optimal results and compliance.

What is the difference between Car Tuning vs Car Mechanics?

AspectCar TuningCar Mechanics
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but specialized tuning coursesCertified automotive technician or mechanic license
Work EnvironmentPerformance shops, custom garages, racing teamsAuto repair shops, service centers, dealerships
Industry UsageEnhancing vehicle performance and aestheticsMaintaining and repairing vehicles
Common Search IntentPerformance upgrades, ECU tuning, custom modificationsDiagnostics, repairs, routine maintenance

Car tuning focuses on modifying vehicles to improve performance, aesthetics, and customization, often involving ECU remapping and parts upgrades. Car mechanics perform general repairs, diagnostics, and maintenance to ensure vehicle safety and functionality. While both roles work within the automotive industry, tuning emphasizes performance enhancement, whereas mechanics focus on repair and upkeep.

How much do car tuners get paid?

Car tuners typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Skilled tuners with certifications and specialized tools can earn higher wages, especially in high-demand markets or custom tuning shops.

Is there a career in car tuning?

A career in car tuning involves modifying and optimizing vehicles for performance, appearance, or efficiency. Professionals often work as customizers, mechanics, or in automotive shops, requiring skills in engine tuning, electronics, and sometimes certifications like ASE. The field offers opportunities in automotive customization, racing teams, and specialty shops.
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For Car Tuning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

Car Tuning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Tuning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,174 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Staff Tech Lead, Perception, Fine-Tuning & Model Releases

Waymo

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

The Perception team builds the system which learns the spatial-temporal representation and their semantic meanings of the surrounding environment of the self-driving car, i.e., the system that "perceives" the world around the car. We work jointly with downstream teams on the optimization and integration into the Waymo Driver. We conduct our own research to address real-world problems and collaborate with research teams at Alphabet. We have access to millions of miles of driving data from a diverse set of sensors, enabling engineers like you to (1) develop methods for efficiently and continuously learning from large scale real-world data, to (2) develop models and model training at scale, to (3) analyze real-world behavior and develop systems for handling the complexities of interacting with the real-world, and (4) optimize models for our onboard and offboard hardware.

In this hybrid role you will report to a Staff Technical Lead Manager.

You will:

  • Lead the multi-task fine-tuning of multi-billion parameter models, and its release to production
  • Lead the design and implementation of ML methods for distilling multiple expert models into one multi-task model
  • Managed releases of multi-billion parameter models replacing a deployed model used by thousands or millions of customers 
  • Contribute to the development of technical roadmaps, (defining team OKRs, developing believable plans to achieve the OKRs), and drive the roadmap execution
  • Make project staffing decisions, technical decisions, drive escalations; ultimately accountable for delivering projects

You have:

  • Bachelors in Computer Science or a similar discipline, or an equivalent amount of deep learning experience
  • 5+ years experience in Machine Learning and/or Computer Vision
  • Experience with Python
  • Experience with ML frameworks like PyTorch or JAX

We Prefer:

  • MS or PhD Degree in Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Science or a similar discipline
  • Publications at top-tier conferences like CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, ICLR, ICML, ICRA, RSS, NeurIPS, AAAI, IJCV, PAMI
  • Experience with C++
  • Experience with real-time system design

Apply