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Hmi Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PLC Programmer-HMI

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

PLC Programmer- HMI Location: San Francisco, CA Duration: 6+ Month with extension Job Functions: Programming and commissioning machines within automated systems and station integration PLC and HMI ...

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Join a successful, growing, nationally recognized engineering and system integration firm as a ... In this role, you'll design, program, test, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems ...

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Join a successful, growing, nationally recognized engineering and system integration firm as a ... In this role, you'll design, program, test, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems ...

Work with system engineers to architect flexible software implementations. Work with autonomous ... Experience working in automotive HMI SW development Experience working and processing raw sensor ...

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

From PLC/HMI programming and panel design to control schematics and I/O architecture, you'll be the person who makes the systems actually work - and keeps them running. If you love getting into the ...

Senior Controls Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to oversees and leads the development of PLC and HMI programs for safe, effective, and efficient operation of Forgent products and processes while meeting and ...

Lead design, implementation, and validation of electrical control systems and PLC/HMI programming * Support end-to-end equipment commissioning, vendor checkout, and system startup * Drive data ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hmi Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do hmi engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for hmi engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an HMI engineer?

HMI Engineers, or Human-Machine Interface Engineers, specialize in designing and developing user interfaces that allow humans to interact effectively with machines, systems, or software. They focus on creating intuitive, efficient, and safe interfaces by understanding both the technical and user experience aspects. HMI Engineers work in various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and automation, ensuring that control panels, dashboards, and software interfaces are user-friendly and meet industry standards. Their role often involves collaborating with software developers, hardware engineers, and end-users to optimize system usability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HMI engineer?

To thrive as an HMI Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with experience in designing and developing human-machine interfaces. Proficiency with HMI/SCADA software (such as Wonderware, Siemens WinCC, or Rockwell FactoryTalk) and familiarity with PLC programming and industrial protocols are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for creating intuitive, reliable interfaces that enhance operator efficiency and ensure safe, smooth industrial operations.

What are some common challenges HMI engineers face when integrating new interfaces into existing industrial systems?

HMI Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new interfaces with legacy systems, such as compatibility issues, data synchronization, and ensuring minimal downtime during deployment. They must carefully balance user experience improvements with the technical constraints of older hardware and software. Effective collaboration with controls engineers, IT teams, and operators is crucial to address these challenges and achieve seamless integration while maintaining system reliability and safety.

What is the difference between Hmi Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectHmi EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, computer, or control engineering; certifications in HMI software are commonRequires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering; certifications in automation systems are often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and programming HMI interfaces for industrial control systems in manufacturing plantsDeveloping and maintaining automation processes and control systems in industrial settings
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, process control, and industrial automation sectorsApplied in manufacturing, robotics, and process industries for system automation

Both roles involve working with industrial control systems, but Hmi Engineers focus on creating user interfaces for operators, while Automation Engineers develop the control logic behind these systems. Understanding both roles helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within industrial automation.

What cities in California are hiring for Hmi Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hmi Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Hmi Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Vehicle Support Engineer - HMI Systems

Wealth Recruitment, LLC

Foster City, CA • On-site

$75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

As a Fleet Support Engineer focused on Human Machine Interface (HMI) and passenger experience systems, you'll play a critical role in keeping our autonomous fleet operational, reliable, and customer-ready. You'll be the technical authority for diagnosing, resolving, and preventing issues that impact in-vehicle displays, audio/visual systems, cameras, and cabin interaction modules.

This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives in real-time operational environments, enjoys deep technical problem-solving, and collaborates seamlessly across Hardware, Software, and Operations teams.

What You'll DoTechnical Escalation & Fleet Support
  • Serve as the primary technical escalation point for HMI-related issues, including passenger displays, audio/visual alerts, interior cameras, and cabin interaction modules.
  • Provide real-time troubleshooting support to maintain fleet uptime, including on-call coverage during nights and weekends as needed.
Root Cause Analysis & Sustaining Engineering
  • Conduct deep root-cause analysis using Linux/Android system logs and electrical diagnostics to resolve complex hardware and software failures.
  • Lead sustaining engineering efforts by reviewing historical fleet data to identify failure trends such as ghost touch events, display blackouts, and audio latency, and drive permanent corrective actions.
Validation, Bring-Up & Tooling
  • Execute hardware bring-up, functional validation, and verification for new HMI components, firmware, and software releases.
  • Partner closely with HMI and Software Engineering teams to improve diagnostic tooling and increase failure-mode visibility in the field.
Documentation & Knowledge Sharing
  • Develop, maintain, and continuously improve troubleshooting guides and workflows to enable faster, more independent issue resolution by field technicians.
  • Define and capture critical data points to validate fixes and measure the effectiveness of corrective actions.
Travel
  • Occasionally travel within the U.S. to support fleet operations at various locations.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Experience & Education

  • Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in automotive, consumer electronics, or autonomous vehicle systems, with a focus on infotainment, display technologies, or cockpit electronics.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Technical Skills

  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting LVDS, Ethernet, CAN, and LIN communication protocols.
  • Familiarity with LCD/OLED displays, touch controllers, and audio amplifiers.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, electrical diagrams, connector pinouts, and end views to distinguish wiring issues from component failures.
  • Strong understanding of hardware/software interaction, including how operating systems drive displays and peripheral devices.

Problem Solving & Collaboration

  • Demonstrated ability to take a holistic approach to diagnosing system-level issues and driving resolution down to individual components.
  • Self-starter with strong communication skills and the ability to build productive relationships across Engineering and Operations teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Android Automotive or Linux-based infotainment systems.
  • Experience supporting remote vehicle troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of vehicle systems and Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS).
  • Proficiency with Linux and Python for parsing and analyzing large log files.
  • Familiarity with networking concepts, including TCP and socket programming.
  • Experience with audio system tuning or debugging.

Benefits

Pay Rate = $75 per hour

Contract Assignment

Schedule - Monday - Friday - 8 - 5