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Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer Jobs in California

Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

... testing, deployment, and production support. · Design, develop, review, and optimize high-quality ... embedded systems preferred. · Proven leadership or mentoring experience guiding software engineers.

Software Engineer Embedded

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$155K - $204K/yr

... developing, testing, and maintaining high-quality, scalable software for clients automotive ... engineering • 10+ years of experience in embedded software development • Strong programming ...

Contract Engineer Embedded Mid

Carson, CA · On-site

$137K - $180K/yr

Contract Engineer Embedded Mid (Onsite) Primary Location: Carson, California V-Soft Consulting is ... SW V&V (Verification and Validation is mandatory), Perform software testing including unit ...

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Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer information

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating tests with complex hardware, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with rigorous automotive safety standards like ISO 26262. To address these, it’s essential to maintain clear communication with cross-functional teams, regularly update test strategies to accommodate hardware changes, and utilize automated testing tools to improve efficiency. Continuous learning about new automotive technologies and safety protocols also helps in staying ahead of industry requirements.

What does an Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer do?

An Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer is responsible for verifying and validating the software that runs on electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles. They design and execute test cases to ensure that embedded software meets safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. Their work involves using specialized tools to simulate real-world automotive scenarios, identifying bugs or issues, and collaborating with development teams to resolve them. This role is crucial for ensuring that automotive systems—such as braking, infotainment, and engine control—operate reliably and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer, you need a solid understanding of embedded systems, software testing methodologies, and automotive standards such as ISO 26262, typically supported by a degree in computer science, electronics, or a related field. Familiarity with testing tools (such as CANoe, Vector tools), scripting languages (like Python), and version control systems (e.g., Git) is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like ISTQB. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and ensuring thorough test coverage. These competencies are essential for delivering reliable, safe, and high-quality automotive software in compliance with stringent industry regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer jobs in California? For Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Director of Engineering - Automotive Software

Director of Engineering - Automotive Software

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$268K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 215 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
Seeking highly skilled and motivated Director/Principal level Customer Project Engineer for Automotive Software Platform team.
In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire lifecycle of automotive software projects from concept to completion.
This includes analyzing project requirements, preparing schedules, coordinating team tasks, and ensuring that projects meet quality standards and are completed on time.
In this highly visible role, you will interface directly with the OEM's engineering executives and Qualcomm's senior technical and business leadership.
You will:
  • Develop a deep understanding of the OEM's roadmap, vehicle and backend architecture, requirements, and constraints
  • Lead and coordinate all technical aspects of business acquisition, delivery execution, and post-SOP maintenance
  • Represent the "voice of the customer" in internal forums, escalating needs and driving alignment across Qualcomm engineering, product management, program management, and sales

Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership:
  • Act as the chief technical counterpart to the OEM's engineering leadership for all Cockpit (IVI), ADAS and related programs.
  • Serve as the main technical point of contact covering SoC, platform software, tools, and system integration topics.
  • Work with Software Product (SP) PE internally and manage external customer deliverables/expectations/escalations
  • Lead and manage automotive software engineering projects from conception to completion.
  • Prepare, schedule, coordinate, and monitor the assigned engineering projects.
  • Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with the customer's engineering executives, architects, and program leads.
  • Anticipate customer needs and translate them into Qualcomm platform requirements, features, and solutions.
  • Lead the technical workstreams for RFIs/RFQs and advanced engagement discussions with the OEM.
  • Define technical solution proposals based on Qualcomm's product portfolio, including SoCs, BSP, Platform Software and reference platforms.

Program Execution & Delivery
  • Provide overarching technical leadership for all active programs with the OEM, across all phases (concept, development, validation, SOP, and maintenance).
  • Coordinate and synchronize Qualcomm internal engineering teams (HW, SW, systems, safety, security, tools, test) to meet customer milestones.
  • Drive resolution of critical technical issues, ensuring timely escalation and clear communication to both customer and Qualcomm management.
  • Support design reviews, technical workshops, joint debugging sessions, and on-site integration activities as needed.
  • Coordinate with customers and other stakeholders to ensure the Software delivery meet project requirements.
  • Identify, analyze, and mitigate project risks and issues.
  • Implement and manage project changes and interventions to achieve project outputs.
  • Monitor and report on project progress, problems, and solutions.
  • Ensure that all engineering work meets standards and customer specifications.

Voice of the Customer & Internal Alignment
  • Represent the customer's priorities, constraints, and pain points in internal reviews, roadmap discussions, and management meetings.
  • Provide structured feedback to product management and engineering on gaps, competitive pressure, and future requirements.
  • Ensure internal stakeholders understand customer commitments, program risk, and required trade-offs.

Technical Thought Leadership & Mentoring
  • Act as a technical role model: hands-on, detail-oriented, and able to deep-dive into complex system issues when required.
  • Guide and mentor cross-functional Qualcomm teams working on the customer, helping them prioritize and solve problems effectively.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 4+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Extensive experience in software engineering, including project management and leadership roles.
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles and practices.
  • Strong background in automotive systems engineering with focus on:
    • Compute platform architecture (SoC, GPU/DSP, accelerators)
    • Embedded SW stacks (OS such as QNX/Linux/Android, middleware, frameworks, toolchains)
  • Solid understanding of automotive safety and quality frameworks (e.g., ISO 26262, ASPICE, cybersecurity standards) and their impact on architecture and execution.
  • Proven experience as a customer-facing technical leader, such as chief engineer, system architect, technical program lead, or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority in a complex matrix organization.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, data-driven and structured, with ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
  • Willingness to travel regularly to customer and Qualcomm sites (domestic and international).
  • Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering complex software projects.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, independently with minimal supervision.
  • Experience with software development methodologies and tools.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$207,600.00 - $311,400.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985