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Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer Jobs in California

Jr. ADAS Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field * 1+ years of relevant experience in automotive software, ADAS, or embedded systems

They are seeking a Software Engineer who will be responsible for developing software systems that ... or automotive experience is highly valued. Primarily front-end or data-platform backgrounds ...

We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer with a background in embedded systems who is ... Experience with high speed hardware communication such as PCIe and Automotive Ethernet * Hands on.

We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer with a background in embedded systems who is ... Experience with high speed hardware communication such as PCIe and Automotive Ethernet * Hands on.

We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer with a background in embedded systems who is ... Experience with high speed hardware communication such as PCIe and Automotive Ethernet * Hands on.

... future of automotive, industrial automation, consumer electronics, IoT, and semiconductor ... engineering tasks * Integrate AI capabilities into cross-platform software products for Windows ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer information

What are some common challenges faced by entry level automotive software engineers in their first year?

As an entry level automotive software engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced development cycles typical in the automotive industry and familiarizing yourself with specialized automotive standards like AUTOSAR or ISO 26262. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including hardware engineers and quality assurance staff—requires strong communication and a willingness to learn about systems outside of pure software. Balancing the demands of writing efficient, safety-critical code while meeting tight deadlines is also common, but support from experienced mentors and structured onboarding programs can help you navigate these challenges successfully.

What does an entry level automotive software engineer do?

An Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer is responsible for developing and testing software used in vehicles, such as control systems, infotainment, and safety features. They typically work as part of a team to design, code, and debug software that ensures vehicles operate efficiently and safely. These engineers often collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate software with automotive hardware. Entry-level positions focus on learning industry standards, tools, and best practices while contributing to real-world automotive projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level automotive software engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages such as C/C++, embedded systems, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (like CAN or LIN), version control systems (such as Git), and possibly certifications in AUTOSAR or ISO 26262 are advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set candidates apart in this collaborative and precise environment. These skills and qualifications are critical for developing reliable automotive software that meets safety and industry standards.

What is the difference between Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer vs Automotive Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Automotive Software EngineerAutomotive Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering; internshipsBachelor's or higher; experience with automotive systems
Work EnvironmentAutomotive manufacturing plants, R&D labsSoftware companies, automotive OEMs, suppliers
Industry UsageEntry-level roles in automotive industryMid to senior roles, but also entry-level positions

Entry Level Automotive Software Engineers typically have a bachelor's degree and internships, working in automotive manufacturing or R&D. Automotive Software Developers may have similar credentials but often work in software firms or OEMs, with a broader range of experience levels. The main difference lies in the job focus and environment, with engineers more involved in vehicle-specific systems and developers working on software solutions for automotive applications.

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

The most popular types of Automotive Software Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Software Integration Engineer, ADAS

Harbinger Motors Inc.

Garden Grove, CA

$105K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

About Us

Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger's best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to bring a first-of-its-kind EV platform to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs and Hybrids. Harbinger: Familiar Form, Revolutionary Foundation.

Role Overview

The Software Integration Engineer will serve as our internal technical lead for ADAS firmware. You will ensure the integrity of software components and interfaces while collaborating with our external firmware partners (HL Clemonts/HL Mando). A primary focus of this role is system performance, specifically CPU and memory profiling, to measure and optimize stack performance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee and maintain software components and interfaces for ADAS firmware.
  • Conduct detailed CPU and memory profiling to monitor stack performance.
  • Act as the key integration contact for external firmware partners, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
  • Lead integration projects end-to-end with a high degree of autonomy and minimal supervision.
  • Integrate and validate ADAS software components across ECUs, sensors, and vehicle platforms.
  • Bring up and troubleshoot embedded Linux and automotive software stacks.
  • Debug communication issues across CAN, CAN FD, Automotive Ethernet, SOME/IP, DoIP, UDP, and TCP networks.
  • Support software releases, deployment, and vehicle integration activities.
  • Develop and maintain test, validation, and automation frameworks using Python and scripting tools.
  • Analyze logs, traces, and network captures to identify and resolve system-level issues.
  • Collaborate with perception, controls, platform, systems, and validation teams to ensure feature readiness.
  • Support SIL, HIL, replay, and vehicle-level testing activities.
  • Maintain software configuration, branching, and release management processes.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, interface definitions, and integration procedures.
  • Performance Analysis: CPU, memory, task scheduling, latency analysis, and optimization on embedded multi-core MCU/SoC platforms.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Significant experience in Firmware development, specifically with microcontrollers.
  • Proven track record of leading projects from end to end.
  • Strong analytical skills for performance profiling.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
  • Experience with Embedded Linux development and debugging.
  • Solid understanding of CAN, CAN FD, Automotive Ethernet, SOME/IP, and UDP/TCP networking.
  • Experience with automotive diagnostics (UDS, DTCs, XCP).
  • Familiarity with ROS2, DDS, or similar middleware technologies.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Git, and modern build systems.
  • Proficiency with debugging tools such as Wireshark, CANoe, CANalyzer, GDB, and tcpdump.
  • Experience with log analysis, replay systems, and validation workflows.
  • Strong system-level debugging and root cause analysis skills.
  • Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency with Ethernet, CAN
  • Experience with AUTOSAR.
  • Knowledge of ISO 26262 functional safety concepts.
  • Experience with MCAP, ROS bag, and large-scale data collection systems.
  • Exposure to vehicle testing, HIL/SIL environments, and ADAS development workflows.
  • Experience supporting software integration through production vehicle launches.
  • Understand state-of-the-art Agentic Coding