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Ecu Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$149K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... in ECU development. * B.S degree (or above), in mechanical engineering, or relevant equivalent experience. * Experience designing components and /or systems that include mechanism design, thermal ...

Hardware Validation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$40.94 - $54.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Technical Execution & ECU Validation · High-Fidelity Testing: Plan and execute Durability ... and CAPL programming skills (highly preferred). · Ability to interpret complex electrical ...

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$149K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... in ECU development. * B.S degree (or above), in mechanical engineering, or relevant equivalent experience. * Experience designing components and /or systems that include mechanism design, thermal ...

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$149K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... in ECU development. * B.S degree (or above), in mechanical engineering, or relevant equivalent experience. * Experience designing components and /or systems that include mechanism design, thermal ...

Jr. ADAS Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform ECU flashing, basic sensor calibration, and diagnostic readouts Troubleshooting & System ... Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external partners * Track work items and issues ...

Electrical Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support ECU integration, firmware flashing, and system configuration activities * Partner with hardware, software, and quality engineering teams to resolve technical issues * Maintain accurate test ...

Electrical Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support ECU integration, firmware flashing, and system configuration activities * Partner with hardware, software, and quality engineering teams to resolve technical issues * Maintain accurate test ...

Showing results 21-40

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ECU programmer?

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 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.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Ecu Programming job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, ECU

Rivian

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$149K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious courageous souls we seek to attract. We constantly challenge what is possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
If you are aligned with this mission, we want you to join our team. We're looking for a highly motivated, experienced, multi-disciplined, mechanical engineer to challenge what is possible in the development of our electronic hardware components. Help Rivian lead the way in the future of the EV industry.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the mechanical development of ECUs, helping design our next gen internal compute.
  • Partner with domain teams and mechanical architecture team to define mechanical component requirements and complete trade studies to optimize integration for performance, manufacturing, and service.
  • Develop PCB MCOs, enclosure designs, thermal management designs, Working with EEs and a CAE group to evaluate and validate designs.
  • Make component drawings, do tolerance analysis studies, documenting design and design process.
  • Support thermal and FEA studies to optimize design of components within our vehicles.
  • Use first principles to identify and solve issues through critical thinking and scientific engineering methodologies.
  • Develop and document component mechanical functional requirements based on product requirements for custom, semi-custom, and off-the-shelf components.
  • Complete component design verification plans to ensure we deliver low mass, low cost, yet durable parts and modules to the vehicle program.
  • Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the position.

Qualifications
  • At least 10+ years industry experience within automotive or other industries, experience in autonomy preferred, priority given to experience in ECU development.
  • B.S degree (or above), in mechanical engineering, or relevant equivalent experience.
  • Experience designing components and /or systems that include mechanism design, thermal design, PCB integration, sensor integration, user interface/user experience (UI/UX) considerations, and class A surface integration.
  • Experience leading cross functional teams to innovate and drive new ideas and solutions into products.
  • Experience leading the design of components and/or systems that include PCB design, thermal design, PCB integration.
  • Lead problem solving electrical system challenges, solving grounding, thermal and structural challenges.
  • Be a proficient CAD designer, ideally within Catia V5 / V6 / 3DX, though other equivalent systems will be considered. Advanced surfacing and solid modelling expertise is preferred, along with strong CAD structure/organizational skills.
  • Great problem solving and communication skills.
  • Lead component drawing creation including GD&T to ASME Y14.5 standards in support of applicable tolerance analyses.
  • Ability to identify optimization opportunities from CAE/testing results.
  • Experience manufacturing methods such as sheet metal brake-press and stamping, injection molded plastic, cast metals, CNC machining, 3D printing etc.
  • Experience in EV vehicle systems, automotive design and manufacturing practices, and low-voltage electrical system integration. Direct experience is preferred.
  • Experience leading DFMEA processes and execution.

Pay Disclosure
The salary range for this role is $149,000 - $187,000 for Palo Alto based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.
You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than April 10, 2026.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy and Technology
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.
AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.
Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009