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Senior Automotive Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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All JobsAutomotive Engineer JobsSenior Automotive Engineer JobsSenior Automotive Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Automotive Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$124.9K

$181.1K

How much do senior automotive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior automotive engineer in California is $124,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior automotive engineer do?

A Senior Automotive Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving vehicles and their systems. They lead engineering teams, oversee the testing of prototypes, and ensure that automotive designs meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Senior Automotive Engineers also collaborate with other departments, manage project timelines and budgets, and mentor junior engineers. Their expertise helps bring innovative and efficient vehicles to market.

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

To thrive as a Senior Automotive Engineer, you need strong expertise in automotive design, engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as mechanical or automotive engineering, often supplemented by several years of industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) being advantageous. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills to excel in project management and cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure innovative solutions, adherence to safety and quality standards, and successful project delivery in the competitive automotive industry.

How does a senior automotive engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a vehicle development project?

Senior Automotive Engineers frequently work with cross-functional teams, including designers, software developers, manufacturing specialists, and quality assurance experts. They often lead technical discussions, ensure that engineering requirements are understood across departments, and facilitate problem-solving when challenges arise in the development process. This collaborative environment helps integrate various disciplines to achieve project goals, meet safety and regulatory standards, and deliver innovative solutions. Effective communication and leadership are key to successfully navigating these collaborations.

What is the difference between Senior Automotive Engineer vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Automotive EngineerAutomotive Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Industrial Design Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, manufacturing plantsDesign studios, CAD labs, prototype workshops
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, R&D centersAutomotive OEMs, design firms, engineering consultancies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Senior Automotive Engineer and an Automotive Design Engineer lies in their focus areas. Senior Automotive Engineers typically oversee vehicle systems, testing, and integration, while Automotive Design Engineers concentrate on creating vehicle aesthetics and conceptual designs. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their daily tasks and specializations differ significantly.

What type of senior automotive engineers make the most money?

Senior automotive engineers specializing in advanced powertrain systems, autonomous vehicle technology, or electric vehicle development tend to earn the highest salaries. Engineers with expertise in software integration, systems engineering, and those holding professional certifications or advanced degrees often command higher compensation due to their specialized skills and industry demand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Automotive Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Automotive Engineer job openings:

Senior Automotive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Automotive Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,900 per year, or $60 per hour.

Senior Automotive Alias Modeller / Class-A Surfacing

Info Way Solutions

Torrance, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Required JD as below :

Role Description:

· The Senior Alias Modeller role is a full-time, on-site role based in CA, USA, focused on creating high-quality digital surfaces for automotive exterior and interior designs. The role involves translating design sketches, scanned surface, point cloud or sketch models into production-feasible Class-A surfaces in Alias.

· Day-to-day responsibilities include collaborating closely with designers and engineers, iterating models based on feedback, and ensuring alignment with aesthetic and manufacturing requirements. You will be required to organise and prepare data to send to engineers in various formats ensuring that files are well structured and clean.

· Good communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills are essential to the role in addition to understanding technical sections, working with carry over data and manufacturing requirements.

· The Senior Alias Modeller will also help maintain modelling standards and support project timelines by delivering accurate and timely digital models.

· A high level of English is essential for effective communication with the wider team.

Skills and Abilities:

· Proficiency in Alias Class-A surfacing tools, with a strong portfolio of automotive exterior and interior models.

· Must have 8+ years of Digital modelling experience in an Automotive OEM or consultancy using Autodesk Alias, with experience of both CAS and Class-A

· Solid understanding of automotive design principles, surfacing workflows, technical sections and 3D modelling best practices.

· Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, and project managers.

· Ability to interpret sketches, technical drawings, and CAD data and translate them into precise digital surfaces.

· Understanding of manufacturing and production processes

· Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.

· Previous experience in a senior modelling role within the automotive design industry is essential.

· Strong written and spoken English to communicate with the wider team.

· Functional knowledge in the use of current office software (Excel, Power Point, Word, etc.)

Responsibilities:

· Willingness to work from client office (Automotive OEM) & support the digital design team in India.

· Assist in the development of solutions to engineering and design challenges

· Assist in surface releases which meet Design sign-off, production engineering, and data release

· Adhere to modelling best practices

· Perform surface quality checks, engineering/ manufacturing feasibility checks before data release

· Time management and assume responsibility for data delivery

Qualifications:

· Relevant degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Automotive Design, or a related field.

· Candidates must have the right to work in USA.

Apply