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Chassis Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Tire Engineer - Chassis

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

Role Summary Join Rivian's Vehicle Hardware Engineering - Chassis - Product Development team as a key contributor in bringing our electric adventure vehicles to life. As a Lead Tire Engineer, you ...

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Staff Tire Engineer - Chassis

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

Role Summary Join Rivian's Vehicle Hardware Engineering - Chassis - Product Development team as a key contributor in bringing our electric adventure vehicles to life. As a Lead Tire Engineer, you ...

New

Senior Chassis Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$118K - $160K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Chassis Engineer owns the architecture, design, and delivery of ... Set engineering standards, review designs, and raise the technical bar across the team Minimum ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chassis Engineering information

See California salary details

$20

$52

$98

How much do chassis engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for chassis engineering in California is $52.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.98 and $63.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is chassis engineering?

Chassis engineering is the field of engineering focused on designing, developing, and testing the structural framework of vehicles, commonly referred to as the chassis. This includes components such as the frame, suspension, steering, and braking systems, all of which are critical for vehicle stability, safety, and handling. Chassis engineers work to optimize these systems for performance, durability, and compliance with safety regulations, often collaborating with other automotive engineering disciplines. Their work is essential in ensuring a vehicle's ride quality, handling characteristics, and overall structural integrity.

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

To thrive as a Chassis Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, vehicle dynamics, and structural analysis, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), FEA tools, and industry standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure safe, innovative, and cost-effective chassis designs that meet performance and regulatory requirements.

What does a chassis engineer do?

A chassis engineer designs, analyzes, and tests the structural framework of vehicles, ensuring safety, performance, and durability. They work with CAD software, perform stress analysis, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to develop and improve vehicle chassis systems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of chassis engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation tools, and leadership roles in large companies can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, especially in high-demand industries like automotive or aerospace manufacturing.

What's a design engineer's salary?

A design engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually. In the field of chassis engineering, specialized skills in CAD software and materials can influence compensation levels.

What is the difference between Chassis Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectChassis EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, certifications in CAD and vehicle systemsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, often with additional certifications in CAD and design
Work EnvironmentAutomotive or vehicle manufacturing plants, design labsFactories, design offices, research labs across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in automotive, motorsport, and vehicle designBroad industry application including aerospace, manufacturing, robotics

Chassis Engineering focuses specifically on designing and developing vehicle frames and structures, often within the automotive industry. Mechanical Engineering covers a wider range of engineering disciplines, including vehicle design, but also extends to machinery, aerospace, and manufacturing. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Chassis Engineering is specialized in vehicle frameworks, making it a more targeted career path for those interested in automotive structural design.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Chassis engineers or automotive engineers typically have lower salary ranges, but those in executive or highly specialized positions may reach or exceed this level.

What are some typical challenges Chassis Engineers face when working on new vehicle models?

Chassis Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing performance, safety, cost, and manufacturability when developing new vehicle models. They must collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as suspension, body, and electronics engineers, to ensure all components integrate seamlessly while meeting strict regulatory and performance standards. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving technology, such as electric vehicle platforms and lightweight materials, requires continuous learning and innovation. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming these complexities and delivering successful chassis designs.
What job categories do people searching Chassis Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chassis Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chassis Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Chassis Engineering job openings:
Engineering Manager, Chassis Quality & Validation

Engineering Manager, Chassis Quality & Validation

Lucid Motors

Newark, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Lucid Motors rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Leading the future in luxury electric and mobility
At Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.
 
We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.
 
Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, were providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.

We are currently seeking an Engineering Manager, Chassis Quality & Validation. Our Chassis Quality and Validation team owns the planning, organizing, executing and managing of all quality and system validation workstreams for suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires systems, as part of the whole-vehicle quality and validation processes. It also acts as an in-team testing and validation group, possessing the Chassis- and Dynamics-specific expertise required for our system and vehicle testing and development needs. Our ideal candidate has experience in these areas and has led a small but high-performing team, and exhibits a strong drive, an organized mindset, and has had prior experience bringing vehicles to production. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, to possess the ability to learn quickly and to strive for perfection within a fast-paced environment.

The Role:

  • Own and manage in-production program and future program quality for suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires systems
  • Receive, triage and prioritize new quality issues, and work closely with engineering system/component owners, design release engineers and managers to assign issue ownership, and then drive containment, root causing, permanent corrective action, and prevent recurrence. Be the single point of contact representing Chassis & Vehicle Dynamics in communication with Vehicle Integration, Program, Chief Engineering and other functions. Present to executive leadership as required
  • Manage quality planning for future programs ensure that standards, lessons learned and prevent recurrence items are correctly implemented, establish KPIs and milestones to track our quality performance, train and mentor both the immediate team and cross-functional teams in best-practice quality management strategies. Work closely with teams from Vehicle Engineering, Digital Engineering, Supplier Quality and Manufacturing
  • Own and drive the Chassis and Vehicle Dynamics DFMEA, working with component, system and attribute experts to ensure that all failure modes are identified, understood, tracked and managed. Work closely with Manufacturing to ensure that the corresponding PFMEA correctly captures and controls potential failure modes
  • Manage the Chassis & Vehicle Dynamics DVPs, working closely with Technical Project Managers and system owners within Chassis & Dynamics to ensure that all validation and verification activities are correctly anticipated, planned and managed. Maintain a status report for DVP completion, and be the single point of contact regarding DVPs in communication with Vehicle Engineering, Vehicle Integration, Program, Chief Engineering and other functions
  • Work with the Functional Safety team, system experts and Digital Engineering team to ensure that all Chassis- and Vehicle Dynamics-related functional safety workstreams are supported and completed on time and to high quality
  • Manage the planning, execution and reporting of Chassis and Vehicle Dynamics test requests. Work with the test requestors and system experts to write test procedures, specifications and pass/fail criteria. Maintain the library of test procedures and specifications. Manage resources and logistics engineers, vehicles, equipment, facilities. Collaborate with internal teams and vendor/supplier teams. When required, step in and perform testing activities
  • Mentor, support, grow and develop the team. Foster continual learning and development, while meeting our commitments and deliverables. Keep up to speed on best practices across automotive and related industries, and ensure that Lucid is implementing the best learnings from these while remaining agile and efficient. Strive for continuous improvement in everything we do

Required:

  • Bachelor of Science in a relevant science or engineering field or extensive years doing relevant work in the automotive industry
  • Proven experience with automotive quality, FMEA, DVP and system/vehicle testing
  • Strong understanding of passenger vehicle testing standards, requirements and best practices
  • Experience in leading a small but high-performing team, and mentoring junior engineers
  • Experience making and tracking schedules for large programs / projects. Organized mindset and time management skills to keep projects on track to the finish
  • Track record of establishing strong processes and work procedures
  • Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members, vendors and management
  • US drivers license
  • Generally, requires 8+ years of relevant experience

Advantageous:

  • Master's degree in a relevant engineering field
  • MBA or professional certification for Project/Program Management
  • Experience testing and development of electric vehicles
  • Experience in performing testing and validation activities at system and vehicle level
  • Qualifications and certifications in advanced driving techniques, from recognized training schools and proving grounds
  • Experience in CANalyzer, CANape, Matlab, Simulink, Python
At Lucid, we dont just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.
Salary Range: The compensation range for this position is specific to the locations listed below and is the range Lucid reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; and other relevant business and organizational factors.
 
Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucids equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.  (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)
Base Pay Range (Annual)
$170,000—$249,260 USD

Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucids equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.  (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)

By Submitting your application, you understand and agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice. If you are a California resident, please refer to our California Candidate Privacy Notice.

To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Lucid Motors employees. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 
 

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About Lucid Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lucid Motors is a highly innovative electric vehicle manufacturer located in Newark, CA, USA. Primarily engaged in the automotive industry, its mission is to elevate electric vehicles' standing and transform the way people travel. The company was founded in 2007 by Bernard Tse and Sam Weng as Atieva, a name under which it initially focused on battery technology. However, it pivoted towards automotive manufacturing and rebranded as Lucid Motors in 2016. The company is committed to making luxury, sustainable electric vehicles that break norms and set new standards with top-notch technology and engineering. Their mission aligns with their core values, which are centered around innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Notably, Lucid Motors launched the Lucid Air in 2020, an all-electric sedan well-received for its advanced features and impressive mileage.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newark, CA, US

Year founded

2007