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Entry Level Automotive Engineering Jobs in California

Cadence

Application Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited ... communications, automotive, aerospace industrial and health. At Cadence, we hire and develop ...

Viavi Solutions

Project Manager

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Overview We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented entry-level Project Manager to support project ... This role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams to help plan ...

Viavi Solutions

Project Manager

Santa Rosa, CA

Overview We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented entry-level Project Manager to support project ... This role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams to help plan ...

Micro Quality Calibration Inc.

Be Seen First

Dimensional Calibration Technician

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

We're rapidly growing and expanding nationwide, offering opportunities from entry-level to senior ... Inspect equipment and collaborate with engineers * Provide technical guidance during audits

County of Tehama

Fleet Mechanic II/III

Gerber, CA · On-site

$22.07 - $26.83/hr

... engineering, operating, maintenance and administrative needs of Tehama County Public Works in a ... College-level coursework in the automotive maintenance and repair field is desired. Other ...

Tehama County, CA

Fleet Mechanic II/III

Gerber, CA · On-site

$25.60 - $31.12/hr

... engineering, operating, maintenance and administrative needs of Tehama County Public Works in a ... College-level coursework in the automotive maintenance and repair field is desired. Other ...

Nuro

Associate Fleet Technician, Bay Area

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$28.25 - $38/hr

... AI with automotive-grade hardware. Nuro licenses its core technology, the Nuro Driverâ„¢, to ... The Associate Fleet Technician is a critical, entry-level technical role that provides the ...

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Entry Level Automotive Engineering information

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$11

$19

$37

How much do entry level automotive engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level automotive engineering in California is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level automotive engineer?

Entry level automotive engineers are professionals who have recently started their careers in the automotive engineering field. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in mechanical, automotive, or a related engineering discipline and work under the supervision of senior engineers. Their responsibilities often include assisting with the design, testing, and development of vehicles and automotive systems, as well as conducting research and troubleshooting issues. Entry level automotive engineers gain hands-on experience and knowledge to advance to more specialized or senior roles over time.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level automotive engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As an entry level automotive engineer, you can expect to be involved in a range of tasks such as assisting with vehicle component design, performing basic testing and analysis, and supporting senior engineers in troubleshooting mechanical or electronic systems. Early projects often include CAD modeling, preparing reports, and participating in prototype builds or validation testing. You'll frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and suppliers, which provides valuable exposure to the full vehicle development process and helps build a strong foundation for future growth in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level automotive engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Automotive Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure you can contribute to vehicle design and development while collaborating efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Automotive Engineering vs Automotive Technician?

AspectEntry Level Automotive EngineeringAutomotive Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive EngineeringHigh school diploma or equivalent; ASE certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering offices, research facilitiesRepair shops, service centers, dealerships
Industry UsageDesigning and developing automotive systems and componentsDiagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles

Entry Level Automotive Engineering focuses on designing and developing vehicle systems, requiring a degree in engineering. Automotive Technicians work directly on vehicle repairs and maintenance, often with certifications. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in education, work environment, and job functions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automotive Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Automotive Engineering jobs in California?

For Entry Level Automotive Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Automotive Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Automotive Engineering jobs in California are:

Entry Level Automotive Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,181 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Application Engineer

Cadence

San Jose, CA • On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Cadence Design Systems is looking for new STEM bachelor's graduates with experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools to join our Customer Support Team's (CST) Rotational Program in San Jose, CA, Austin TX, Cary NC, Columbia MD, or Burlington MA.

As an integral member of CST, you work with the best in class EDA tools, collaborate with technical experts and support the sales team in a dynamic, innovative environment focused on silicon design and design automation. In this customer facing role you will provide the front-line design services, technical sales and customer support to the most advanced Cadence customers and will work with the Cadence account teams to come up with innovative solutions to address our customers' most challenging technical problems. This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited experience but a strong desire to learn and be a part of the electronic technologies of tomorrow.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

The person in this full time regular entry level position will start in a cohort based, one year program that will include new colleges graduates from across North America and consist of two six month rotations with detailed, hands-on training in applications used for Digital Design/Simulation, Physical Design, Analog Layout, Advanced Verification or Hardware Emulation. This program is only for students graduating with a Bachelor's degree only. The opportunity to learn from the technical experts, sales and application engineers who provide the design services, technical sales and customer support to the most advanced Cadence customers will be included in this one year program.

After the cohort program has been successfully completed, the person in this role will be assigned full time regular responsibilities in a CST business group based on the person's interests and company needs.

This cohort-based program will offer experience in the following areas:

  • Fundamentals in design, verification, HDLs, synthesis and timing
  • Embedded software development and HW/SW codesign and co-verification
  • UNIX , C/C++, and scripting languages such as Perl, TCL, Python
  • Digital physical design and implementation
  • Sign-off for timing, IR drop, power analysis, SI analysis
  • Custom and analog design
  • Opportunity to network and participate in fun activities and recent college grad community at Cadence.

Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to deliver software, hardware and IP that turn silicon and electronic design concepts into reality.

Cadence customers are the world's most innovative companies, delivering extraordinary electronic products from chips to boards to systems for the most dynamic market applications including consumer, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, aerospace industrial and health.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

The annual salary range for California is $74,200 to $137,800. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.

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