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Lidar Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zoox

Senior / Staff Lidar Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$217K - $300K/yr

Evaluate and compare lidar technologies to drive down-selection decisions with customer teams. * Develop test plans, perform testing, and report results for lidar systems, including procedures that ...

Zoox

Senior / Staff Lidar Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$217K - $300K/yr

Evaluate and compare lidar technologies to drive down-selection decisions with customer teams. * Develop test plans, perform testing, and report results for lidar systems, including procedures that ...

Zoox

Senior / Staff Lidar Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$217K - $300K/yr

Evaluate and compare lidar technologies to drive down-selection decisions with customer teams. * Develop test plans, perform testing, and report results for lidar systems, including procedures that ...

New

Seyond

Staff LiDAR System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

Job Summary We are seeking a Staff LiDAR System Engineer to lead system-level architecture, performance optimization, validation, and application development for our LiDAR products. This individual ...

Seyond

Staff LiDAR System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Job Summary We are seeking a Staff LiDAR System Engineer to lead system-level architecture, performance optimization, validation, and application development for our LiDAR products. This individual ...

Seyond

Staff LiDAR System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Job Summary We are seeking a Staff LiDAR System Engineer to lead system-level architecture, performance optimization, validation, and application development for our LiDAR products. This individual ...

Ouster

Product Manager - Lidar

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

Our groundbreaking digital lidar architecture is transforming what's possible, delivering an ... This will include building a strong relationship with our engineering team and acting as the owner ...

Ouster

Product Manager - Lidar

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

Our groundbreaking digital lidar architecture is transforming what's possible, delivering an ... This will include building a strong relationship with our engineering team and acting as the owner ...

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All JobsLidar Engineer JobsLidar Engineer Jobs in California

Lidar Engineer information

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How much do lidar engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lidar engineer in California is $52.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.69 and $61.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lidar engineer?

To thrive as a Lidar Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, as well as experience with lidar systems and data processing, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with lidar data analysis software (such as LAStools, ArcGIS, or CloudCompare), programming languages (like Python or C++), and certifications in remote sensing are highly advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set candidates apart. These skills are crucial for developing accurate lidar solutions, troubleshooting complex systems, and ensuring successful project outcomes in multidisciplinary environments.

How do you become a Lidar engineer?

To become a Lidar engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with sensor technology, 3D mapping, and programming languages like C++ or Python is important, along with familiarity with Lidar hardware and data processing software. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized certifications in related areas.

What is a lidar engineer?

A Lidar Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems for applications such as autonomous vehicles, mapping, and remote sensing. They process and analyze LiDAR data to generate 3D models, improve sensor accuracy, and integrate hardware with software systems. This role requires expertise in laser scanning technology, data processing algorithms, and programming languages like Python or C++. Lidar Engineers often collaborate with robotics, geospatial, and computer vision teams to enhance perception and navigation capabilities.

What does a lidar engineer do?

As a Lidar Engineer, your daily tasks may include designing and calibrating lidar systems, analyzing point cloud data for accuracy, developing software tools for data processing, and collaborating with surveyors or GIS specialists. You might also troubleshoot hardware or software issues, document technical methodologies, and participate in field tests or deployment. Frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as robotics, automotive, or remote sensing professionals—is common to integrate lidar technologies into broader applications. This hands-on, dynamic role provides exposure to both engineering challenges and real-world implementation, making each day varied and intellectually stimulating.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lidar Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Lidar Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lidar Engineer jobs in California? For Lidar Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lidar Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lidar Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lidar Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Lidar Engineer job openings:
Lidar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lidar Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,091 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Senior / Staff Lidar Engineer

Zoox

Foster City, CA • On-site

$217K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We're looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team
In this role, Zoox is looking for a candidate with a background in lidar to support hardware selection and validation for autonomous vehicles. In this role, candidates are expected to:
in This Role, You Will:
  • Evaluate and compare lidar technologies to drive down-selection decisions with customer teams.
  • Develop test plans, perform testing, and report results for lidar systems, including procedures that are traceable to corresponding system requirements.
  • Generate, analyze, and interpret large LiDAR datasets for KPIs/metrics across a variety of scenarios and conditions.
  • Lead root-cause analysis, corrective action, and validation for fleet issues, with internal and external entities.
  • Support and maintain lidar at scale in an autonomous vehicle fleet.
  • Deliver traceable, testable lidar requirements, enforcing compliance in the design phase with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications
  • B.S., M.S., PhD in Physics, EE, or Optics
  • Minimum 7+ years of experience working with lidar systems
  • Strong understanding of lidar physics, as well as experience with common architectures and technologies in automotive lidar
  • Demonstrated ability to write high-quality, traceable performance requirements for lidar components
  • Experience with functional testing, reliability testing, and qualification of opto-mechanical or opto-electrical systems
  • Experience with optical systems, such as laser technology, detector technology, and imaging technology.
  • Strong technical documentation and communication skills
  • Quantitative, data-driven mindset

Bonus Qualifications
  • Integration of sensors with vehicle platforms
  • Unix/Linux, C++, Python, Git/GitHub, MATLAB

$217,000 - $300,000 a year
Base Salary Range
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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