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Vehicle Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Doist

Component Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

The Component Test Engineer is responsible for the development and evolution of Voyager's portfolio ... Support the integrated, qualification and acceptance testing of vehicle components/assemblies ...

New

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

... engineering, testing and homologation services. As a TOP Employer certified company, we have a ... Drive and operate vehicles across a pre-defined routes through various terrain and weather ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Riverside, CA

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

... engineering, testing and homologation services. As a TOP Employer certified company, we have a ... Drive and operate vehicles across a pre-defined routes through various terrain and weather ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

... engineering, testing and homologation services. As a TOP Employer certified company, we have a ... Drive and operate vehicles across a pre-defined routes through various terrain and weather ...

Transdev

Test Engineer Associate

Atwater, CA · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Systems Test Engineer Associate Shall be responsible for the evaluation of software or hardware ... In-depth knowledge of vehicle systems and subsystems * Able to spend a full day outside, in ...

Transdev

Test Engineer Associate

Atwater, CA · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Systems Test Engineer Associate Shall be responsible for the evaluation of software or hardware ... In-depth knowledge of vehicle systems and subsystems * Able to spend a full day outside, in ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Corona, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

... engineering, testing and homologation services. As a TOP Employer certified company, we have a ... Drive and operate vehicles across a pre-defined routes through various terrain and weather ...

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All JobsVehicle Test Engineer JobsVehicle Test Engineer Jobs in California

Vehicle Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$43

$73

How much do vehicle test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle test engineer in California is $43.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $51.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vehicle test engineer do?

A Vehicle Test Engineer is responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing tests on vehicles to ensure they meet safety, performance, and reliability standards. They work with various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or specialty vehicles, and use both laboratory and real-world testing environments. Their role often involves collaborating with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to identify issues and recommend improvements. Vehicle Test Engineers also document results and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This position is crucial for ensuring that vehicles are safe, efficient, and ready for consumer use.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, experience with vehicle dynamics, and a relevant degree. Familiarity with data acquisition systems, automotive diagnostic tools, and software like MATLAB or CANalyzer is commonly required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting test results and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure accurate testing, compliance with safety standards, and the successful development of reliable vehicles.

What are some common challenges faced by vehicle test engineers during the testing process?

Vehicle Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system failures, working within tight deadlines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They must adapt quickly to changing test requirements and environmental conditions, especially when conducting tests outdoors or on test tracks. Effective communication and collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams are essential to resolve issues efficiently and deliver reliable test results.

What is the difference between Vehicle Test Engineer vs Automotive Test Technician?

AspectVehicle Test EngineerAutomotive Test Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive Engineering or related; certifications like ISTQB or SAETechnical diploma or associate degree; certifications in vehicle systems or testing
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, test tracks, vehicle development facilitiesTesting facilities, repair shops, on-road testing environments
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, R&D departments, testing agenciesVehicle service centers, testing companies, manufacturing plants

Vehicle Test Engineers focus on designing and overseeing vehicle testing procedures, analyzing data, and improving vehicle performance. Automotive Test Technicians perform hands-on testing, maintenance, and data collection during vehicle testing phases. Both roles are essential in vehicle development but differ mainly in their responsibilities and level of technical involvement.

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in California?

For Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Vehicle Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Vehicle Test Engineer job openings:

Vehicle Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I

Hyundai Motor Company

California City, CA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is currently looking for a Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I at our California Proving Ground in California City, California:
  • Evaluate, Test and Develop the Chassis Controls / Thermal Systems / Durability performance of North American Market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles as a member of one of the Vehicle Test & Development groups.
  • The groups oversee chassis control, thermal systems, and durability test and development activities in support of prototype and pilot vehicle development to assure that development vehicle performance meets or exceeds customers' expectations in all road and environmental conditions in North America.
  • The groups' main function of evaluation, testing, and developing the performance of HMG vehicles aligns with our corporate goal of delivering the best vehicles for the North American customer through regional technical leadership and global collaboration.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Evaluate, Test and Develop the Chassis Controls / Thermal Systems / Durability performance of North American Market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles as a member of one of the Vehicle Test & Development groups.
  • Perform subjective evaluations & objective testing, calibrate, investigate problem root cause, and develop appropriate countermeasures in all weather and road conditions in North America.
  • Develop and execute test plans, coordinate test vehicles, and manage supplier activities.
  • Benchmark competitor vehicle performance and the establishment of development direction and performance targets.
  • Analyze customer feedback results from internal and external media sources (J.D. Power IQS, Consumer Reports, social media, traditional media, and internal & external customer clinics).
  • Evaluate, test, and calibrate vehicle chassis control systems for North America market, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles:
    • Electronic chassis control performance development: ESC, TCS, active lateral dynamic controls, certification test (ex. FMVSS/NCAP)
    • EV motor torque control based active chassis control performance development
    • Brake performance development: brake system base performance validation, brake pedal feel calibration, regenerative brake blending calibration, ABS tuning and validation, brake performance related research, and field issue improvement
  • Conduct field testing of vehicle thermal systems (A/C, heater, defrost/defog, engine/transmission cooling and electric vehicle thermal management).
  • Seasonal performance testing in extreme North American climates (Death Valley: 120F, Northern Minnesota: -30F, Pacific Northwest: heavy rain/snow, ...)
  • Analyze data, identify HVAC or cooling issues, report findings, and support real-time software tuning and calibration to enhance customer safety and comfort.
  • Plan and lead vehicle durability testing; identify root causes, report findings, and support countermeasure development to closure.
  • Analyze field durability using warranty data, customer surveys, and dealership/auction visits; report and track emerging issues.
  • Develop and update full-vehicle durability test procedures, aligning with test capability, vehicle lineup, new technologies, and field trends.
  • Interface regularly with Engineering Design departments and with counterparts in our R&D Headquarters in Korea.
  • Support the identification and development of new technologies, strategies, and methods for improving the performance of current and future Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
  • Create and present clear & concise project status and technical reports.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field of study
  • 0 to 3 years of relevant engineering experience in the automotive industry
  • 0 to 1 year engineering internship experience
  • Coursework in Vehicle Dynamics, Signal Analysis, Controls, Thermodynamics, and Durability, a plus
  • Good understanding of vehicle dynamics, chassis systems, thermal systems, electrical systems and powertrain systems
  • Experienced with experimental data acquisition systems and analysis software including Matlab
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Experience in root cause analysis and problem-solving methods
  • Good written communication and presentation skills
  • Flexibility in handling multiple projects and changing priorities
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record

WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
  • 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
  • Range of Position: $75,000 ~ $90,000/Year
  • A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
  • Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
  • Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Flexible Work Hours

OTHER DETAILS
Physical Demands, Work Environment, Travel Expectations:
  • Able to work in a culturally diverse team environment and in harsh climate conditions (Winter -40F, Summer +120F, altitude up to 14,000 ft)
  • Travel up to 35%, domestically and internationally to support product development and testing

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.

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