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Ecu Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Connectivity Engineer

Belmont, CA · On-site

$126K - $173K/yr

Ensure seamless system-of-systems communication (device modem/ecu vehicle cloud) Test Strategy ... SiL/HiL testing and CI/CD integration Automation & Programming * Python scripting, Robot Framework ...

Design and develop ECU hardware solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams * Review and ... Work closely with software engineers to support low-level integration and debugging * Participate ...

Senior Connectivity Engineer

Belmont, CA · On-site

$126K - $173K/yr

Ensure seamless system-of-systems communication (device ↔ modem/ecu ↔ vehicle ↔ cloud) Test ... SiL/HiL testing and CI/CD integration Automation & Programming * Python scripting, Robot Framework ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Environmental Control Systems/HVAC

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,298 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Connected Warfare is the team at Anduril dedicated to the modernization of the command-and-control systems of U.S. and Allied forces. New technologies and adversaries demand a novel approach to battlefield intelligence, and you will be the driving force behind the integration of cutting-edge edge computing technologies that make that a reality. Such systems inherently require both electrical and mechanical components and we are looking for highly skilled engineers to own the design of electromechanical subassemblies on these tightly integrated products. Your work will not only create new products but also help to change the balance of defense capabilities on a global scale.
ABOUT THE ROLE

We build shelters that go to the fight, and you'll own the systems that keep them livable and mission-capable when the environment is trying to shut them down. This is a rare seat: the chance to own an entire environmental control system end-to-end, from first-principles sizing calculations to the moment a soldier flips it on in the field, inside a small, tight-knit team that ships real hardware to real users.
Our TITAN and Menace I shelters are examples of the command posts, operations centers, and living spaces that warfighters depend on in the harshest environments on earth, and the HVAC/ECU is what makes them habitable and lethal. You'll go deep on vapor-compression systems, psychrometrics, and CFD, and wide across supplier partnerships, hands-on prototyping, and field testing alongside the operators who use what you build. You'll also define the technical roadmap for what our ECUs look like five years from now. We move fast, we ship hardware, and we listen hard to the warfighter. If you've spent your career wanting deeper ownership over the systems you design, and you want to point that expertise at something that matters, this is the seat for you. If you're starting to feel excited about this, we invite you to read further and learn more!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As the owner of our environmental control systems, you'll work across the full lifecycle, from first-principles analysis to hardware in the field. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Own Hardware: Take environmental control systems from concept through real-world use in the hands of warfighters.
  • Drive the Supplier Relationship: Partner closely with our HVAC/ECU supplier to specify, evaluate, and refine hardware for our mission sets, driving requirements, reviewing designs, and making component and integration trade-offs.
  • Build the In-House Capability: Establish the technical foundation and roadmap to bring HVAC/ECU design fully in-house over time.
  • Size for Extreme Environments: Apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, and psychrometrics from first principles to size systems for high-ambient cooling, sub-zero heating, and high-latent-load conditions.
  • Optimize with Analysis: Use CFD and thermal analysis to evaluate and improve airflow, coil performance, condensation management, and packaging in tightly constrained, ruggedized enclosures.
  • Engineer for Survival: Apply first principles, analysis, and testing to make sure designs survive battlefield conditions (blowing sand, salt air, shock and vibration, and air/land/sea transport).
  • Get Hands-On: Build and test prototypes and first articles yourself.
  • Deliver at Scale: Iterate on your designs and work with suppliers and our manufacturing team to build and deliver them at volume.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 7+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience, with a focus in HVAC, refrigeration, or environmental control unit design.
  • Demonstrated experience in vapor-compression system design (component selection, sizing, and integration of compressors, heat exchangers and coils, refrigerant circuits, and air-moving equipment).
  • Strong grounding in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
  • High competence with, and fluid use of, engineering first principles.
  • Experience working with suppliers or vendors on hardware design and build.
  • CAD skills (any platform) and the ability to produce high-quality engineering drawings.
  • BS, M.Eng, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
  • Excitement to work onsite at our headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA the majority of the time!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience designing ruggedized, deployable, or mobile HVAC/ECU systems for extreme or military environments.
  • Experience with VapCyc and CoilDesigner software.
  • Hands-on CFD experience (ANSYS Fluent, CFX, or equivalent) for airflow and thermal optimization.
  • Knowledge of static, dynamic, or thermal analysis methods and their use in ANSYS.
  • Experience with refrigerant selection and compliance (e.g., low-GWP refrigerants and evolving regulations).
  • Familiarity with HVAC and refrigeration standards and test methods (e.g., AHRI, ASHRAE).
  • Experience transitioning a product from a supplier or contract manufacturer to in-house design and production.
  • Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
  • Active Top Secret security clearance (not required).

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE

  • Direct & Meaningful Impact: Your work keeps warfighters safe and effective in the harshest places on earth, on products of critical national importance.
  • Real Ownership: Own an entire environmental control system end-to-end, with the latitude to shape both the current design and where it goes next.
  • Build Something New: Stand up an in-house design capability from the ground up and set the technical roadmap for the next generation of our ECUs.
  • Cutting-Edge Challenges: Solve hard thermal and packaging problems under constraints most HVAC engineers never face.
  • Collaborative & Expert Team: Work alongside a small, sharp group of engineers who ship real hardware and share what they know.
  • Professional Growth: Continuous learning, advanced professional development, and a clear path forward within a rapidly expanding company.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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