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Vehicle Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrolab

Vehicle Engineering Manager

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

Lead a team of interdisciplinary engineers within Vehicle Engineering * Create systems-level vehicle layout and architecture compliant with design requirements * Maintain schedule, development ...

Outpost

VP Vehicle Engineering

Los Angeles, CA

$275K - $325K/yr

VP Vehicle Engineering Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

Outpost

VP Vehicle Engineering

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$275K - $325K/yr

VP Vehicle Engineering Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

Outpost

VP Vehicle Engineering

Los Angeles, CA

$275K - $325K/yr

VP Vehicle Engineering Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

Long Wall

Head of Vehicle Engineering

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Head of Vehicle Engineering DESCRIPTION Long Wall is hiring a Head of Vehicle to lead the multidisciplinary team responsible for taking missile defense hardware from concept through flight. This ...

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Vehicle Engineering information

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How much do vehicle engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle engineering in California is $40.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.74 and $39.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is vehicle engineering?

Vehicle engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and buses. It combines elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering to create vehicles that are efficient, safe, and reliable. Vehicle engineers work on everything from the engine and transmission to aerodynamics and onboard systems, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vehicle engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vehicle Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and automotive engineering principles, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, vehicle simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like SAE or ISO are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help drive innovation and project success. These competencies are vital for designing safe, efficient vehicles and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in a highly competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in vehicle engineering, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Vehicle engineering professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing regulatory compliance with innovation, managing tight project deadlines, and integrating new technologies into existing vehicle platforms. Applicants can prepare by staying up to date with industry standards, developing strong project management skills, and gaining familiarity with emerging trends like electric and autonomous vehicles. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams—including design, manufacturing, and software engineers—is also crucial for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Vehicle Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectVehicle EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Vehicle Engineering; certifications in automotive designBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentAutomotive companies, R&D labs, manufacturing plantsFactories, design firms, research labs across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily automotive, transportation, motorsportsBroad industry applications including aerospace, manufacturing, energy
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Vehicle Engineering focuses specifically on designing, developing, and testing vehicles and automotive systems, often requiring specialized knowledge of automotive components. Mechanical Engineering offers a broader scope, covering various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both fields share foundational engineering principles and credentials, Vehicle Engineering is more specialized for automotive applications.

Do vehicle engineers make money?

Vehicle engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses. The profession generally offers stable income within the engineering industry.

What does a vehicle engineer do?

A vehicle engineer designs, develops, and tests vehicles and their components, such as engines, chassis, and safety systems. They use CAD software, perform simulations, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards throughout the development process.

What cities in California are hiring for Vehicle Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Vehicle Engineering job openings:

Vehicle Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 79% Full Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $83,416 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Vehicle Engineering Manager

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity's presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.   
You will collaborate with other Astrolab engineers to advance product design and analysis. You will be ultimately responsible for leading a team through the entire design process, through production support, and mission operations.
  • Lead a team of interdisciplinary engineers within Vehicle Engineering  
  • Create systems-level vehicle layout and architecture compliant with design requirements 
  • Maintain schedule, development milestones, budget, and resource allocation 
  • Design concepts/ solutions and first-order analysis 
  • Drive the design and development of mechanical systems 
  • Support the development of materials for design review milestones (DCR, PDR, CDR, etc) and act as the reviewer and approver for design unit progression 
  • Capture, report, and analyze quality objective data  
  • Participate in management Review meetings  
  • Participate in internal and external audits of this process  
  • Manage documented information for this process 
  • Train the team and new or transferred employees in this process 
  • Support goals and objectives of AS9100  
  • Conduct weekly 1 on 1 meetings with direct reports 
  • Conduct semi-annual reviews with direct reports
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field  
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical system engineering   
  • 3+ years of experience leading a team of engineers 
  • Experience using CAD software for part modeling and development (NX preferred). 
  • Experience using software packages for finite element modeling and analysis  
  • Experience in design for manufacturing and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing of parts
  • Experience interfacing with thermal requirements and analyses
  • Experience interfacing with avionics and software (e.g., for actuator motor control)  
Preferred Qualifications  
  • Master's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field  
  • Experience in the engineering of structures, mechanisms, and actuators  
  • Experience in the ability to plan and execute flight hardware development programs from the ground up  
  • Experience specifying and executing hardware qualification and acceptance test programs
  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

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