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Pilot Car Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-24

Pilot Car Driver information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do pilot car driver jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car driver in California is $129,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot car driver?

Pilot Car Drivers are professionals who operate vehicles that escort oversized loads or large trucks on public roads. Their primary role is to ensure the safety of the load, the transport crew, and the general public by guiding and warning other motorists of the presence of an oversized vehicle. They communicate with truck drivers, monitor road conditions, and help navigate challenging routes. Pilot Car Drivers must follow state regulations and often require special certifications or permits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot car driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Car Driver, you need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic regulations, often supported by state certification or specialized training. Familiarity with two-way radios, GPS navigation systems, and safety equipment is essential for effective communication and route guidance. Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help drivers anticipate hazards and coordinate with transport teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safe and efficient movement of oversized loads, protecting both the cargo and the public.

What does a pilot car driver do?

As a pilot car driver, your responsibilities may differ depending on the field in which you work. Many pilot car drivers, also known as escort vehicle drivers, work in the transport or freight industry, and their duties are to escort oversized trucks or trucks carrying large loads while on the road. Your duties include communicating with the truck driver and surveying the roads before a trip to ensure they can handle oversized loads. In the aviation industry, pilot car drivers help guide aircraft around the tarmac.

What are some common challenges faced by pilot car drivers and how can they be managed effectively?

Pilot Car Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating unfamiliar routes, maintaining constant communication with truck drivers and law enforcement, and adapting to changing traffic or weather conditions. Staying alert, utilizing GPS and route planning tools, and participating in regular safety training can help manage these challenges. Additionally, building strong teamwork and communication skills is essential, as the role requires frequent coordination with other drivers and transport coordinators to ensure oversized loads move safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Pilot Car Driver vs Escort Vehicle Driver?

AspectPilot Car DriverEscort Vehicle Driver
CertificationsRequired licenses, such as CDL or special permitsSimilar licensing requirements, often including CDL
Work EnvironmentOn highways, escorting oversize loadsOn roads, assisting with large or heavy transports
Industry UsageTransporting oversize loads in construction, logisticsSimilar industries, often used interchangeably
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Pilot Car Drivers and Escort Vehicle Drivers are essential in transporting oversized loads, requiring similar certifications and working environments. They often serve the same industries and are frequently compared by those seeking employment or services in oversize load transportation.

How much can you make being a pilot car driver?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the routes. Overtime, specialized equipment, and certifications can increase earning potential, especially for long-distance or hazardous route escorting.

How much do pilot car drivers make?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the escort jobs. They often need to hold specific certifications and operate specialized vehicles for highway escorting and oversize load transportation.

How much does it cost to become a pilot car driver?

Becoming a pilot car driver typically involves costs for obtaining a special license or certification, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the state or region. Additional expenses may include training, insurance, and acquiring a suitable vehicle equipped for escorting oversize loads.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot Car Driver jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pilot Car Driver jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Car Driver jobs in California?

For Pilot Car Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pilot Car Driver jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot Car Driver jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pilot Car Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pilot Car Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Pilot Car Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Sr. Engineer - ADAS Integration

Karma Automotive

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description


Sr. Engineer - ADAS Integration

TheSr. Engineer - ADAS Integration will be responsible for integrating ADAS/Active safety features in Karma vehicles. They will work closely with, Infotainment, Body, Chassis, Powertrain and Manufacturing teams to help debug any ADAS System issues, Plant floor issues, Sensor Calibration issues, ADAS Signals (Ethernet/CAN) issues, etc.

Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

  • Diagnose, Validate and test the ADAS system as part of Track testing initiatives/Development Drives/QA Test Drives, etc.
  • Assess vehicle dynamics, including braking, acceleration, and steering behavior, along with their limitations.
  • Enhance overall ADAS System performance by refining feature target settings, Drive and feel for different Drive modes.
  • Translate test outcomes into ADAS signals and sensor logic and supplier requirements.
  • As part of the release, recommend/highlight issues and give go ahead for stable ADAS features that can be validated on the vehicle level downstream testing so that they can be released to Manufacturing.
  • Testing validation features as per requirements like Highway Assist/Pilot, Traffic Jam Assist/Piot, Adaptive Cruise Control /w Stop and Go, Lane Keeping/Centering, Testing for Euro NCAP Targets, Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Emergency Steering, Active Blind spot Assist, Summon/Valet-Parking features, etc., to meet functionality objectives of the vehicle program
  • Work with SDVA, ADAS Feature Owners, Chassis, Infotainment and Powertrain Development teams to plan and execute ADAS + Powertrain + Chassis integration events and collaborate on test trips for overall system performance
  • Validate and verify requirements for each new Software release from ADAS, Powertrain and Chassis modules, to identify regression bugs or performance deterioration after integration using HIL, Bench, Lab Car and test on vehicles
  • Identify component integration issues, and drive them to resolution by working with cross functional teams
  • Validate actuator interface implementation with vehicle dynamics/braking/steering/powertrain system and their limitations and work to improve each aspect of performance
  • Support vehicle instrumentation to setup to record Ethernet/CAN FD/CAN data, post-process and analyze to resolve bugs and recommend performance improvements from lessons learned
  • Track and manage development dates and milestones, with respect to testing activities for each ADAS feature using JIRA
  • Provide inputs to Karma SDV/EE architecture, for any communication networking issues e.g. Ethernet/CAN/Timing
  • Work with 3rd party testing service providers and with Karma's internal Certification team to ensure that the overall functional performance of the integrated ADAS + Chassis + Powertrain system meets NHTSA / NCAP requirements as laid out by their respective testing procedure guidelines.
  • Support the assembly plant with activities such as calibrating the modules, diagnostics, root cause analysis and EOL testing processes identify anomalies and potential improvements
  • Document and present overall improvements, progress as well as major hurdles from system integration perspective to Management Stake holders
  • Work with SDVA/EEA Team to give feedback in requirements pertaining to - Network Architecture, Fail Safe/Fail Operational/Electrical Interface/DTs, Ethernet/CAN Interface, etc.

Required Qualifications:

  • B.S. degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering with good Mechanical understanding
  • Experience with model-based development and the overall Vehicle Engineering Development Process (A-SPICE)
  • Strong understanding of HW/SW dependencies
  • Experience developing / testing / validating safety functions interfacing with brakes and steering systems
  • Minimum 4+ years of relevant industry experience (ideally with Automotive OEM or Automotive Tier 1
  • Experience developing robust Embedded software, simulation, testing SIL and HIL
  • A valid driver's license is required

Physical Requirements:

Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:

  • Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer,
  • Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation)
    Ability to frequently walk or move - to regularly move about inside the office
  • Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office
  • Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop
  • Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time
  • Ability to stand for occasionally periods of time
  • Ability to safely climb ladders, stairs, and ramps occasionally
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly most of the day
  • Driving company vehicles occasionally
  • Travel up to 25%

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job in an indoor office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may spend approximately 60% (excluding breaks and meal periods) of time in an office environment and 40% of the time in the non-office setting (garage and/or laboratory setting). When working in the non-office setting, it requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including (but not limited to) safety shoes (unless staying outside of the working areas), bump caps, and/or safety goggles frequently.

Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)

Benefits & Perks:

In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:

  • Medical Plan choices include HMO, PPO & HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan)
  • Dental & Vision Plans
  • Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
  • Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Sick Time, Vacation time and Personal Floaters
  • Paid Holidays including Company's Annual Year End Shutdown
  • Karma Cares Program (Monthly lunch & breakfast)
  • Work life Balance (Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule)
  • Employee Driving Program
  • Pre-taxed Commuter Benefits & much more!

Compensation:

$135,000 - $165,000 /annual salary. Compensation will vary DOE.

At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.

Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.

Karma Automotive, INC is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, INC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver's license may be required based on essential duties.

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