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Vehicle Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our experts develop safety goals and strategies, and conduct safety engineering analyses to ensure ... Create item definitions, and execute vehicle/system level safety analyses (e.g., HARA) for base ...

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Vehicle Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do vehicle systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a vehicle systems engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a vehicle development project?

Vehicle Systems Engineers play a central role in coordinating between multiple teams, such as mechanical design, electrical engineering, software development, and testing groups. They act as a bridge to ensure that all vehicle subsystems (such as powertrain, infotainment, and safety features) integrate seamlessly and meet project requirements. This collaboration often involves regular cross-functional meetings, design reviews, and troubleshooting sessions to resolve integration challenges quickly. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this team-oriented environment.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or automotive engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with automotive design software (such as CATIA or MATLAB/Simulink), vehicle diagnostics tools, and knowledge of industry standards like ISO 26262 are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills set top candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing safe, efficient vehicle systems and ensuring successful integration, testing, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Vehicle Systems Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectVehicle Systems EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; often certifications in systems engineeringBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; licensure optional
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, or transportation industries; focus on vehicle integrationManufacturing, product design, or research labs; broad engineering applications
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, aerospace firms, transportation companiesManufacturers, consulting firms, R&D departments across industries

Vehicle Systems Engineers specialize in integrating and testing vehicle subsystems, often working closely with automotive and aerospace industries. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. Both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, but Vehicle Systems Engineers focus more on vehicle-specific systems and integration.

Are vehicle systems engineers in high demand?

Vehicle systems engineers are in high demand due to the growing focus on advanced vehicle technologies such as autonomous systems, electric powertrains, and integrated electronics. Employers seek professionals with skills in systems integration, control systems, and experience with tools like MATLAB and CAN protocols, making this a promising career field.

What does a vehicle systems engineer do?

A vehicle systems engineer designs, develops, and integrates the various systems within vehicles, such as propulsion, control, and safety systems. They analyze system performance, troubleshoot issues, and use tools like CAD and simulation software to ensure vehicle functionality and safety. Strong knowledge of engineering principles, electronics, and software is essential for this role.
More about Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Vehicle Systems Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vehicle Systems Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Vehicle Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Vehicle Systems Safety

Waymo

Mountain View, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driverโ„ข-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
The Waymo Safety team works to promote and help to continuously improve the safety of Waymo's fully autonomous driving technology. Our experts develop safety goals and strategies, and conduct safety engineering analyses to ensure safety is being considered throughout the design and development of our vehicles. The team develops and promotes safety strategies and policies for autonomous vehicles for its work with regulatory authorities, lawmakers, law enforcement and public and non-profit organizations. Our Safety Team also helps advise on compliance with applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
In this hybrid role, you will report to a Head of Functional Safety
You will:
  • Create item definitions, and execute vehicle/system level safety analyses (e.g., HARA) for base vehicle systems to identify hazards, assess safety risks, and identify safety goals.
  • Perform OEM and their Tier1 suppliers safety management activities: creating the DIAs, reviewing work products provided by the OEMs, participating in OEMs' process audits.
  • Collaborate with Waymo's Systems Engineering and HW Engineering to ensure safety for the interfaces between the automated driving system and the base vehicle platform.
  • Partner with the Safety team members to improve safety engineering processes for the vehicle and system level safety engineering activities (e.g., improving our guidelines, manuals, and templates) - this suppose to take up to 15% of your work time.
  • Guide regulatory teams through the base vehicle certification efforts in international markets.
  • Collaborate with Waymo's Systems Engineering in cross-functional design reviews as a safety representative, ensuring safety goals and safety requirements are met by the OEMs throughout the development life cycle. This includes participating in the system architecture discussions and reviewing FSCs and TSCs for all base vehicle systems.

You have:
  • BS or higher in Engineering, preferably automotive engineering
  • 4+ years automotive experience with OEMs and/or Tier 1 suppliers with a proven record of vehicle systems development (drivetrain, brakes, steering, etc)
  • 4+ years of functional safety engineering experience in safety-critical vehicle systems (drivetrain, brakes, steering, HV, LV etc), with practical application of the ISO 26262 standard.
  • Experience performing safety analyses (HARA, FMEA, FTA) for vehicle systems and their E/E components. Solid understanding of FMEDA analysis and architectural metrics.
  • Experience in safety goals and requirements definition, traceability assurance, implementation concepts.
  • Solid understanding of vehicle systems (drivetrain, brakes, steering, HV, LV etc) architecture, systems engineering V-model, system components design, cross-system interfaces.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills that are the must in your interactions with the international OEMs, with experience working with cross-functional and multinational engineering teams.

We prefer:
  • Experience with autonomous driving systems (L3/L4) or advanced ADAS.
  • Automotive background in product development/design and release engineering.
  • Real practical experience in supplier and OEM safety management.
  • Knowledge of advanced safety standards beyond ISO 26262, such as ISO 21448 (SOTIF).
  • Experience with hardware and systems safety testing, safety validation, and system safety integration testing.
  • Practical experience with UN ECE regulations and local national safety regulations concerning base vehicle platforms in the context of the automated driving systems

Travel
once per quarter, audit and assessment support as needed. International travel to China/Japan.
The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Salary Range
$204,000-$252,000 USD