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Ecu Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Senior Global Supply Manager - ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$174K - $175K/yr

ECU Ownership, ECU Subcomponent Material Management, and Business Relationship Management. The ... Partner with Engineering on component lifecycle stability, obsolescence management, and End-of-Life ...

Rivian

Senior Global Supply Manager - ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$174K - $175K/yr

ECU Ownership, ECU Subcomponent Material Management, and Business Relationship Management. The ... Partner with Engineering on component lifecycle stability, obsolescence management, and End-of-Life ...

NUTECH AUTO REPAIR

Be Seen First

Automotive Technician Automotive Mechanic

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

Execute high-level repairs including ECU programming/reflashing, timing component replacement, and intricate sensor calibrations. * Quality Assurance: Perform thorough road tests to verify that the ...

Rivian

Senior Global Supply Manager - ECU

Irvine, CA · On-site

$163K - $164K/yr

ECU Ownership, ECU Subcomponent Material Management, and Business Relationship Management. The ... Partner with Engineering on component lifecycle stability, obsolescence management, and End-of-Life ...

Rivian

Lead Global Supply Manager - ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

ECU Ownership, ECU Subcomponent Material Management, and Business Relationship Management. The ... Partner with Engineering on component lifecycle stability, obsolescence management, and End-of-Life ...

Rivian

Lead Global Supply Manager - ECU

Irvine, CA

ECU Ownership, ECU Subcomponent Material Management, and Business Relationship Management. The ... Partner with Engineering on component lifecycle stability, obsolescence management, and End-of-Life ...

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All JobsEcu Programming JobsEcu Programming Jobs in California

Ecu Programming information

What is ECU programming?

ECU programming refers to the process of modifying or updating the software within an Engine Control Unit (ECU), which is a critical component in modern vehicles. The ECU manages various engine functions, such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control. Through programming, technicians can optimize engine performance, improve fuel efficiency, or resolve manufacturer recalls and software bugs. This process typically requires specialized tools and software to connect to the vehicle’s onboard computer system.

What is the best ECU programmer?

The best ECU programmers are those that support a wide range of vehicle makes and models, offer reliable performance, and are compatible with popular tuning software. Common industry options include tools like the KESSv2, MPPS, and FG Tech Galletto, which are used by professional tuners and automotive technicians. Selecting the right programmer depends on the specific vehicle and the user's technical experience.

What does an ECU programmer do?

An ECU programmer specializes in modifying and updating the electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, or to customize settings. They use specialized software and hardware tools to read, write, and troubleshoot ECU firmware, often working in automotive repair shops or tuning facilities. Knowledge of vehicle systems, coding, and safety protocols is essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ECU Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ECU Programmer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, automotive electronics, and proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++. Familiarity with automotive diagnostic tools, CAN bus systems, and ECU flashing software, along with relevant certifications like Automotive SPICE or AUTOSAR, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable, high-performance ECU software development that meets industry safety and quality standards.

What can you do with ECU coding?

ECU programming involves modifying or updating the vehicle's engine control unit to improve performance, fuel efficiency, or to customize settings. It requires knowledge of automotive systems, specialized tools, and often involves troubleshooting and calibration to ensure proper function after coding changes.

What is the difference between Ecu Programming vs Auto Technician?

AspectEcu ProgrammingAuto Technician
CredentialsSpecialized training, certifications in ECU tuning and diagnosticsASE certification, general automotive training
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, tuning labs, automotive manufacturingRepair shops, dealerships, service centers
Industry UsageFocus on ECU software updates, tuning, and reprogrammingVehicle repairs, diagnostics, maintenance

While both roles work within the automotive industry, Ecu Programming specializes in software updates and tuning of vehicle control units, requiring specific technical certifications. Auto Technicians perform broader vehicle repairs and diagnostics, often working on various systems. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in automotive technology.

Do coders get paid well?

Ecu programmers, a specialized type of coding professional, often earn competitive salaries due to their technical skills in vehicle control units and automotive software. Compensation varies based on experience, certifications, and location, but generally aligns with other software development roles in the automotive industry. Skilled ecu programmers with knowledge of automotive protocols and programming tools tend to have higher earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in ECU programming roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in ECU (Electronic Control Unit) programming often encounter challenges such as staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving automotive technologies, ensuring compatibility across different vehicle models, and debugging complex real-time systems. To address these, it's important to continuously learn through training and industry resources, collaborate closely with hardware and testing teams, and utilize advanced diagnostic tools for troubleshooting. Being proactive in communication and documentation also helps streamline the integration process and reduces errors.
What are popular job titles related to Ecu Programming jobs in California? For Ecu Programming jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ecu Programming jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Ecu Programming jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Ecu Programming jobs? Cities in California with the most Ecu Programming job openings:
Ecu Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ecu Programming job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Vehicle Diagnostics Engineer (ECU / CAN Network)

Sony Honda Mobility of America

Torrance, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Join Sony Honda Mobility of America Inc.
Sony Honda Mobility of America Inc. is a proud subsidiary of Sony Honda Mobility Inc., a 50/50 joint venture between Sony and Honda, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Our American headquarters in Culver City, California, established in March 2023, is at the forefront of bringing the innovative electric vehicle, AFEELA, to the US market. AFEELA embodies the essence of "FEEL," creating an interactive relationship where people and mobility connect through advanced sensing and network technologies.
At Sony Honda Mobility of America, we are dedicated to moving people through innovative solutions inspired by diversity. Join us in shaping the future of mobility with creativity, technology, and a commitment to excellence. Apply now to make a difference!
Position Summary
Sony Honda Mobility of America is seeking a Vehicle Diagnostics Engineer specializing in ECU behavior and vehicle network communication to support post production AFEELA vehicles.
This role focuses on diagnosing vehicle issues by reconstructing vehicle behavior using communication signals, ECU responses, and measurement data. The engineer will analyze interactions between ECUs, sensors, actuators, and vehicle networks to determine root causes of customer visible issues.
The ideal candidate is capable of analyzing vehicle communication signals and system responses even when logs and measurement data are incomplete or time misaligned. You will triage issues across software, communication, and hardware domains while working directly with real vehicles and collaborating with engineering teams in the United States and Japan.
This is a highly hands on engineering role focused on vehicle level debugging, system analysis, and root cause investigation.
Job Responsibilities
  • Own end to end vehicle level debugging and analysis of ECU communication behavior and device responses from initial symptom through root cause hypothesis
  • Investigate post production vehicle issues affecting ECU communication, sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems
  • Capture and analyze vehicle CAN communication and signal behavior using Vector tools such as CANoe and CANape
  • Perform signal level diagnostics including validity checks, timing analysis, plausibility checks, and state transition analysis
  • Analyze how ECUs, sensors, and actuators respond to commands, signals, and environmental conditions
  • Acquire and analyze vehicle measurement data using Vector tools and INCA to support root cause investigations
  • Collect and review logs from vehicle systems including ECU logs, network traces, and system traces
  • Correlate CAN signals, ECU responses, and measurement data to reconstruct event timelines and system behavior
  • Identify and isolate ECU or device level faults including sensor failures, actuator behavior issues, ECU internal faults, and electrical anomalies
  • Determine whether issues originate from ECU software logic, communication behavior, system configuration, or hardware defects
  • Reproduce issues on real vehicles when possible and document reproduction conditions and investigation findings
  • Produce clear technical investigation reports including signal analysis, logs, timelines, and root cause hypotheses
  • Support critical field escalations requiring rapid vehicle level technical analysis
  • Collaborate with engineering teams in the United States and Japan to support diagnosis and resolution of vehicle issues

Required Qualifications for Position
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field
  • 4 to 8 years of experience analyzing vehicle communication behavior or ECU interactions in automotive systems
  • Strong experience analyzing vehicle CAN communication and signal behavior
  • Hands on experience using Vector tools such as CANoe and CANape
  • Hands on experience using INCA for vehicle measurement, calibration, or diagnostics
  • Experience diagnosing ECU or device behavior using signal analysis and vehicle measurement data
  • Strong debugging and problem solving skills across software, communication, and hardware domains
  • Experience investigating issues directly on real vehicles
  • Ability to analyze complex vehicle system behavior and reconstruct events from fragmented or incomplete data

Preferred Qualifications for Position
  • Experience analyzing DLT logs from AUTOSAR based ECUs
  • Experience using DLT analysis tools such as DLT Viewer or Vector CANoe DLT plugins
  • Experience diagnosing device communication and system behavior using ADB or QNX command line tools
  • Knowledge of UDS diagnostics and ECU startup, sleep, and reset behavior
  • Experience analyzing Ethernet based vehicle networks or modern automotive architectures
  • Experience automating log or trace analysis using Python or similar scripting languages
  • Experience supporting post production vehicle field investigations or customer issue escalation

Additional Details
  • Work Arrangement: Primarily on site in Torrance, CA
  • Travel Requirements: Approximately 20% travel for vehicle testing, investigations, and engineering collaboration
  • Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position

Benefits
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Flexible Working Policy
  • Paid parental leave
  • 401k Program
  • "Take What You Need" time off policy, with a minimum of 15 days off per year, and holiday breaks
  • Yearly bonuses (subject to eligibility)
  • Company phone (subject to eligibility)
  • Company swag
  • A brand new laptop and monitor
  • Special discounts on Sony products
  • Learning and Development quarterly stipend
  • More to come!

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $130,000-$140,000. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.
Sony Honda Mobility of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants
Sony Honda Mobility of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at SHMA-Recruiting@sony-honda-mobility.com Please indicate the position you are applying for.
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