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Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer information

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$24K

$104.9K

$189K

How much do entry level automotive software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automotive software engineer in the United States is $104,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,863 per year, or $50.4 per hour.
Entry Level Software Engineer (Draper, UT)

Entry Level Software Engineer (Draper, UT)

Cox Automotive

Lehi, UT

$74K - $111K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Cox Automotive rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 138 rated financial services


Job description

Who We Are + What We Do:
At Cox Automotive, we offer the chance to take an important role in the digital revolution of the automotive industry. Our software engineers are part of an energetic team that build world-class solutions to benefit the auto buying public, dealers and manufacturers. At Cox Automotive, youll be immersed in an environment that values your teamwork and creative problem-solving techniques while encouraging you to continue to learn new skills and technologies.
Risk-taking is encouraged here and we reward great results. Collaboration and support are woven into the fabric of everything we do#CD# from 24-hour Hackathons and brain-storming sessions to sprint reviews, youll be immersed in an environment that encourages bringing fresh ideas to the table with an innovative mindset.
Giving back to the community is important at Cox Automotive. You will be given time during working hours to volunteer at local charities.
Job Overview:
Our Software Engineers are energetic influencers who thrive on designing simple and scalable solutions to complex problems and delivering leading edge software products for our customers. We are looking for exceptionally ambitious and communicative hands-on individuals who have the passion and skills to take our product offerings to the next level.
As a Software Engineer you will work in a collaborative team environment that encourages you to perform at your best, while contributing to the engineering efforts of one of our scrum teams. You will be challenged to engineer right-sized solutions for complex business problems. You will apply your knowledge of modern software design, best practices, design patterns, and frameworks, with an understanding of application performance and maintainability. You will aspire to use new technologies and challenge yourself to develop innovative solutions. You will work alongside developers and technical leads on a team where collaborative programming and mentoring is regularly practiced.
Responsibilities:
- Be a passionate and flexible engineer, collaborate with your team to achieve and exceed the goal to build, deploy, monitor, and manage a highly performing and highly available production system
- Write readable, maintainable, and efficient code
- Collaborate with team members on best practices, code reviews, internal tools and process improvements
- Evangelize new ideas within your team
- Explore open source or industry standard solutions that could be a fit for the organization
- Understanding of programming and database concepts
- 18 months experience in object-oriented programming (C#, Java, C++, or similar), in a job or through schoolwork
- Demonstrated experience developing applications
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment
- High energy, confident, ambitious, and self-motivated individual
- Must be an effective communicator
- Able to work in fast-paced environments
- Advanced technical degree and/or related training a plus, but not required.
- Familiarity with web technologies (JavaScript, HTML, ReactJS, etc.) is a plus, but not required.
- Cloud experience is a plus, but not required.
USD 74,000.00 - 111,000.00 per year
Compensation:
Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $74,000.00 - $111,000.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.
Benefits:
The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company's needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
EOE, including disability/vets

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About Cox Automotive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Cox Automotive, people of every background are driven by their passion for mobility, innovation and community. We transform the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars, accelerating the industry with global powerhouse brands like Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim and more. What's more, we do it all with an emphasis on employee growth and happiness. Drive your future forward and join Cox Automotive today! Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses - which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications - is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today! Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page . Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship. Statement to ALL Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations: Cox accepts resumes only from agencies with which we formally engage their services. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, Cox employees, Cox hiring manager, or send to any Cox facility. Cox is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes.

Industry

Automobile dealers and technology, communication and media

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US