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Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer Jobs in California

GITAI

Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Strong PCB designers from robotics, automotive, medical devices, industrial equipment, drones ... Internship-only experience does not meet this requirement. * Experience personally owning PCB ...

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Electrical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$118K - $140K/yr

Electrical Engineer Our Electrical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to ... Begin mentoring electrical designers and interns on software use, modeling best practices ...

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Electrical Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$118K - $140K/yr

Electrical Engineer Our Electrical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to ... Begin mentoring electrical designers and interns on software use, modeling best practices ...

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$118K - $140K/yr

Electrical Engineer Our Electrical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to ... Begin mentoring electrical designers and interns on software use, modeling best practices ...

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Electrical Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$118K - $140K/yr

Electrical Engineer Our Electrical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to ... Begin mentoring electrical designers and interns on software use, modeling best practices ...

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All JobsAutomotive Electrical Engineer JobsInternship Automotive Electrical Engineer JobsInternship Automotive Electrical Engineer Jobs in California

Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer information

What does an internship automotive electrical engineer do?

An Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer assists with designing, testing, and troubleshooting electrical systems in vehicles. Interns work under the supervision of experienced engineers and may help with tasks such as wiring harness design, circuit analysis, and component testing. They often use engineering software, participate in team meetings, and help ensure that automotive electrical systems meet safety and performance standards. This role provides practical, hands-on experience in the automotive industry and helps interns develop technical and professional skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship automotive electrical engineer?

To succeed as an Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer, you need a solid foundation in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and basic automotive systems, typically backed by ongoing coursework in a related degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and diagnostic equipment is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are vital for effectively contributing to automotive projects, ensuring safety, and supporting innovative vehicle technology development.

What types of projects or tasks can an internship automotive electrical engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Automotive Electrical Engineer intern, you can expect to be involved in projects such as designing and testing wiring harnesses, supporting the integration of electronic control units, and assisting with troubleshooting electrical systems in vehicles. Interns often work alongside experienced engineers, contributing to both hands-on prototype development and documentation. The role typically involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers and software developers, giving you broad exposure to the automotive product development process. This experience not only builds technical skills but also enhances your understanding of teamwork and project workflows in the automotive industry.

What is the difference between Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer vs Automotive Electrical Engineer?

AspectInternship Automotive Electrical EngineerAutomotive Electrical Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of relevant engineering programBachelor's or higher in electrical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship projects, supervised, entry-level tasksFull-time professional role, independent project work
ResponsibilitiesAssist with design, testing, and troubleshootingDesign, develop, and implement electrical systems in vehicles
Industry UsageTraining phase, often in automotive companies or suppliersFull career, involved in product development and testing

In summary, an Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer is a temporary, entry-level position aimed at gaining experience, while an Automotive Electrical Engineer is a full-time professional role responsible for designing and developing vehicle electrical systems.

How to get an internship as an automotive electrical engineer?

To secure an internship as an automotive electrical engineer, candidates should pursue relevant coursework in electrical systems and automotive technology, gain hands-on experience through projects or related roles, and apply to internships offered by automotive manufacturers, suppliers, or engineering firms. Strong skills in circuit design, programming, and familiarity with tools like MATLAB or CAN bus are also beneficial.

Which internship is best for automotive electrical engineering students?

The best internships for automotive electrical engineering students are those offered by automotive manufacturers, suppliers, or technology companies that focus on vehicle electronics, embedded systems, and control units. These internships typically provide hands-on experience with automotive wiring, sensors, and software tools like MATLAB or CAN bus systems, and often require relevant coursework or technical skills. Selecting internships with reputable companies and clear project scopes can enhance practical knowledge and industry connections.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer jobs in California?

For Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer job openings:

Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Automotive Electrical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Internship, 57% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Electrical Characterization Engineer - Automotive ECU Validation

Aptino

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Electrical Characterization Engineer – Automotive ECU Validation

Location: Palo Alto, CA — Onsite

Duration: 12 months

Job Type: C2C

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Characterization Engineer to join an automotive Electronics Test & Validation team. This role will focus on the design verification and electrical characterization of vehicle electronic control units (ECUs), particularly Zonal and Battery Management System (BMS) ECUs.

The engineer will work closely with hardware, firmware, reliability, and design teams to develop test strategies, execute characterization activities, analyze results, and identify opportunities to improve ECU design and testability.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop comprehensive design verification and electrical characterization test plans for ECU development programs.
  • Plan and execute characterization testing in alignment with project milestones and engineering requirements.
  • Perform bench-level electrical characterization at the IC and PCBA levels.
  • Analyze test results and maintain detailed test coverage, characterization, and validation reports.
  • Provide engineering feedback on circuit design, component selection, testability, and potential design risks.
  • Develop and present Design for Testability (DFT) recommendations and reports.
  • Manage characterization schedules and communicate project status, risks, and results to engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Develop basic Python automation scripts and instrumentation drivers to improve testing efficiency.
  • Work with firmware and software engineers to flash, test, debug, and validate ECU firmware.
  • Analyze electrical and functional test data to identify failures, trends, and potential design issues.
  • Lead cross-functional root-cause analysis for non-compliant or failed test results.
  • Collaborate with hardware, firmware, reliability, manufacturing, and validation teams throughout the ECU development lifecycle.
  • Support continuous improvement of testing methodologies, tools, processes, and validation infrastructure.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor''s or Master''s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in electronics characterization, design verification, validation, or related testing.
  • Strong understanding of electrical and electronics engineering fundamentals.
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation such as:
    • Oscilloscopes
    • Digital multimeters
    • Power supplies
    • Electronic loads
    • Other electrical measurement equipment
  • Working knowledge of automotive electrical systems and vehicle communication buses.
  • Experience with Python scripting and test/data analysis.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to interpret electrical test data.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and communicate technical findings to both technical and leadership audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with automotive ECUs, particularly BMS, Zonal, Powertrain, Body, or other vehicle control modules.
  • Experience with PCBA-level testing and electrical characterization.
  • Familiarity with CAN/CAN FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, or other vehicle communication protocols.
  • Experience with automated test equipment and laboratory test automation.
  • Knowledge of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) or ECU validation environments.
  • Experience developing Design for Testability (DFT) strategies.
  • Familiarity with automotive development and quality processes.

Apply