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Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer Jobs in California

BRM.ai

Entry Level Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... Entry Level Software Engineer Why we need you We're at a pivotal moment with a roadmap brimming with opportunity. We're looking for ambitious junior engineers and new graduates who are eager to ...

ApplyMint

Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$129 - $194/hr

... automotive, IoT, and other connected platforms. As a GNSS Positioning Engine Software Engineer, you ... will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, testing, and optimization of ...

New

Kodiak

Software Engineer, Embedded

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

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.

Bertrandt

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

Durin

Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

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 ...

Qualcomm

#Platform SW Engineer, Automotive

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94.20 - $141.20/hr

Job Title Platform Software Engineer (Senior Engineer) Responsibilities As a Platform Software ... Exposure to automotive SW development processes and standards (e.g., ASPICE, ISO 26262, ISO 21434)

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Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer information

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 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 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:

Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Autonomous Vehicle Test Engineer supporting Nvidia

Sustainable Talent

Santa Clara, CA • Remote

$70 - $97/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support end-to-end problem analysis for issues identified during vehicle testing.

  • Create test suites, manage test configurations, and support testing infrastructure.

  • Analyze test results, investigate root causes of errors, and communicate findings to development teams.

Job description

Location: Remote, United States
Employment Type: Contract / Temporary
Work Location: US, CA, Remote

Sustainable Talent is partnering with NVIDIA, a global leader that has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for over 25 years. We are looking for an Autonomous Vehicle Test Engineer to support our client's autonomous vehicle testing team. This role is remote and will focus on test creation, quality analysis, and issue investigation for autonomous vehicle software systems. This is a W-2 full-time REMOTE contract role. We offer competitive pay $70/hr-$97/hr based on factors like experience, education, location, etc. and provide full benefits, PTO, and amazing company culture!

We are seeking a highly technical and detail-oriented professional who is passionate about autonomous vehicle technology and excited to work at the intersection of software, hardware, and vehicle testing. In this role, you will analyze issues reported from vehicle testing, create and manage test suites, support testing infrastructure, and help improve the quality and accuracy of autonomous vehicle software.

What You'll Be Doing

As a member of the Autonomous Vehicle Test team, you will support end-to-end problem analysis for issues identified during daily vehicle testing. You will work closely with software and hardware engineering teams across multiple disciplines to help deliver a high-quality autonomous driving product.

Responsibilities include:

  • Analyze issues reported from routine autonomous vehicle testing.
  • Execute problem analysis processes, including issue triage, root cause analysis, issue categorization, reporting, and summary documentation.
  • Create test suites, manage test configurations, and support infrastructure for running tests.
  • Analyze test accuracy and investigate root causes of errors that lead to inaccurate test results.
  • Communicate with development teams to understand functional design and stay current on evolving technologies.
  • Develop documentation and tools to support issue analysis.
  • Collect test data from routine in-car testing and provide feedback on software performance after testing and analysis.
  • Collaborate with automotive software testing, software engineering, and hardware engineering teams to improve product quality.
What We Need to See
  • Technical education or background in Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience and proficiency with Python.
  • Experience in test engineering within a robotics or automotive environment.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to perform issue triage, root cause analysis, and technical documentation.
  • Self-motivated mindset with a willingness to learn new technologies and adapt in a fast-moving environment.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Passion for autonomous vehicle technology and software quality.
Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd
  • Experience in software testing or software development for autonomous vehicles or autonomous driving systems.
  • Experience creating test suites or managing test infrastructure.
  • Familiarity with vehicle data analysis, robotics testing, or automotive software validation.
  • Ability to work across both software and hardware teams in a technical testing environment.
About Sustainable Talent

Sustainable Talent is a certified woman-owned company specializing in recruitment, consulting, and workforce solutions. We partner with innovative organizations to connect exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities across technology, engineering, operations, and professional services.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Sustainable Talent is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

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