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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 ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

Piper Maddox

Electrical Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

Background in automotive, aerospace, or EV power electronics, with a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles applied to vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience designing and ...

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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

Aptino, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Electrical Characterization Engineer – Automotive ECU

Location: Irvine, CA – Onsite

Duration: 12 Months

Job Type: Contract / C2C


About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Electrical Characterization Engineer to support the design verification and validation of automotive electronic control units (ECUs). This position will focus primarily on Zonal and Battery ECUs, with responsibility for developing test strategies, performing hands-on electrical characterization, analyzing test results, and supporting root-cause investigations.

The ideal candidate will have strong electrical engineering fundamentals, extensive experience with electronics characterization and validation, and hands-on experience using laboratory test equipment. Experience with automotive electrical systems, communication buses, Python scripting, and data analysis is highly desirable.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop comprehensive design verification and characterization test plans for automotive ECU programs.
  • Plan and execute characterization testing according to project schedules and milestones.
  • Perform hands-on bench-level characterization and validation at the IC and PCBA levels.
  • Analyze test results and maintain test coverage reports to identify potential design or performance issues.
  • Work closely with electrical, hardware, firmware, reliability, and software engineers to improve product quality and testability.
  • Provide technical feedback to design teams regarding design decisions and Design for Testability (DFT).
  • Prepare and present DFT and characterization results to technical and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Manage characterization schedules and communicate testing progress, results, and risks to project leadership.
  • Develop basic Python scripts and instrumentation drivers to automate testing and improve laboratory efficiency.
  • Work with software and firmware teams to flash, test, and troubleshoot ECU firmware.
  • Investigate test failures and lead root-cause analysis of non-compliant results using electrical measurements and data analysis.
  • Document test procedures, results, issues, and recommendations in accordance with project and quality requirements.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in electronics characterization, validation, or design verification testing.
  • Strong understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and electronic circuits.
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation such as:
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Digital multimeters (DMM)
  • Power supplies
  • Electronic loads
  • Other electrical measurement and test equipment
  • Working knowledge of automotive electrical systems and vehicle communication buses.
  • Experience with Python scripting and data analysis.
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with hardware, firmware, software, reliability, and cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical findings clearly.


Preferred Experience

  • Experience with automotive ECUs, particularly Zonal or Battery Management System (BMS) ECUs.
  • Experience with PCBA-level testing and electrical characterization.
  • Familiarity with CAN, CANoe, CANalyzer, or other automotive communication tools.
  • Experience developing automated test setups and instrumentation interfaces.
  • Knowledge of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) or other automotive validation environments.

Apply