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Vehicle Validation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Validation Engineer - Vehicle Hardware

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll join the Vehicle Hardware Validation team, partnering with Exterior and broader Vehicle Hardware Engineering to ensure our interior, closures, structures, and chassis systems perform robustly ...

Rivian

Validation Engineer - Vehicle Hardware

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll join the Vehicle Hardware Validation team, partnering with Exterior and broader Vehicle Hardware Engineering to ensure our interior, closures, structures, and chassis systems perform robustly ...

Rivian

Validation Engineer - Vehicle Hardware

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll join the Vehicle Hardware Validation team, partnering with Exterior and broader Vehicle Hardware Engineering to ensure our interior, closures, structures, and chassis systems perform robustly ...

Decisive Point

OTA Validation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Validate OTA update workflows across HIL benches, lab vehicles, and prototype vehicles, including ... Basic Python programming skills * Familiarity with the Linux command line * Understanding of ...

New

Eldorado CA

Validation Engineer III

Riverside, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Each vehicle is produced in our purpose-built facility in Riverside, California supporting public ... Validation Engineer III Location: Riverside, CA Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 Position Summary ...

GILLIG

Product Validation Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched ... Validation Engineering is responsible for the testing, simulation, and evaluation of systems ...

GILLIG

Product Validation Engineer

Livermore, CA · Hybrid

GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched ... Validation Engineering is responsible for the testing, simulation, and evaluation of systems ...

GILLIG

Product Validation Engineer

Livermore, CA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Retirement

GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched ... Validation Engineering is responsible for the testing, simulation, and evaluation of systems ...

Gillig LLC

Product Validation Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched ... Validation Engineering is responsible for the testing, simulation, and evaluation of systems ...

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All JobsVehicle Validation Engineer JobsVehicle Validation Engineer Jobs in California

Vehicle Validation Engineer information

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How much do vehicle validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle validation engineer in California is $51.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.89 and $62.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vehicle validation engineer do?

A Vehicle Validation Engineer is responsible for testing and verifying that vehicles meet all required safety, performance, and regulatory standards before they go to market. They design and execute test plans, analyze data, and collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to identify and resolve any issues. Their work ensures that vehicles are reliable, safe, and function as intended under various conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by vehicle validation engineers during the testing phase?

Vehicle Validation Engineers often encounter challenges such as tight project timelines, rapidly evolving technology, and the need to coordinate tests across multiple departments. They must ensure that vehicles meet stringent safety, performance, and regulatory standards while adapting quickly to unexpected test results or component issues. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing these challenges and collaborating with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement solutions efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Validation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with vehicle testing and validation processes. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data acquisition systems, and relevant industry standards or certifications, such as ISO or Six Sigma, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively and deliver accurate results. These skills are crucial for ensuring vehicle safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards during the development process.

What is the difference between Vehicle Validation Engineer vs Vehicle Test Engineer?

AspectVehicle Validation EngineerVehicle Test Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; certifications like ISTQB or SAE are commonBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning validation plans, analyzing data, ensuring vehicle complianceConducting tests, operating testing equipment, recording test results
Industry UsageUsed in automotive manufacturing, OEMs, and suppliers for validation phasesUsed in testing labs, manufacturing plants, and R&D departments

Vehicle Validation Engineers focus on validating vehicle systems through analysis and testing to ensure compliance and performance, while Vehicle Test Engineers primarily conduct physical tests and operate testing equipment. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, often working closely within automotive development teams to ensure vehicle quality and safety.

Are vehicle validation engineers in demand?

Vehicle validation engineers are in demand due to the growing automotive industry and the increasing focus on safety, quality, and compliance standards. They typically require knowledge of testing procedures, validation tools, and industry regulations, making their skills valuable in automotive manufacturing and development environments.

Do vehicle validation engineers make good money?

Vehicle validation engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by industry, experience, and location. They often require knowledge of testing procedures, quality standards, and tools like MATLAB or CAN bus systems. Overall, the role offers solid compensation within the automotive and transportation sectors.

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

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

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

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

Vehicle Validation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Validation 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 $106,736 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Autonomous Vehicle Validation Engineer

Icehouseventures

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About us

Founded in 2017, Wayve is the leading developer of Embodied AI technology. Our advanced AI software and foundation models enable vehicles to perceive, understand, and navigate any complex environment, enhancing the usability and safety of automated driving systems.

Our vision is to create autonomy that propels the world forward. Our intelligent, mapless, and hardware-agnostic AI products are designed for automakers, accelerating the transition from assisted to automated driving.
In our fast-paced environment big problems ignite us—we embrace uncertainty, leaning into complex challenges to unlock groundbreaking solutions. We aim high and stay humble in our pursuit of excellence, constantly learning and evolving as we pave the way for a smarter, safer future.

At Wayve, your contributions matter. We value diversity, embrace new perspectives, and foster an inclusive work environment; we back each other to deliver impact.

Make Wayve the experience that defines your career!

The Role

As a Vehicle Validation Engineer at Wayve, you’ll play a key role in enabling the real-world deployment of our end-to-end AI driving systems. You’ll ensure our vehicles are ready for testing and that test activities deliver high-quality, reliable data to accelerate development.

Joining at an early stage, you’ll help shape how we test and operate autonomous vehicles at scale—developing validation approaches, improving systems, and working closely with engineering, product, and operations teams to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Beyond test execution, you’ll contribute to how vehicle performance is evaluated and communicated, helping provide meaningful feedback on system behaviour, performance gaps, and real-world driving quality from a customer perspective.

Key responsibilities:

  • Plan and execute vehicle tests to support development, validation, benchmarking, and real-world deployment.
  • Develop and improve vehicle validation test concepts to evaluate system performance across a range of real-world scenarios.
  • Work closely with engineering, product, and operations teams to translate testing needs into effective test activities.
  • Ensure vehicles are prepared, maintained, and consistently ready for safe and efficient testing.
  • Deliver high-quality test data, performance reporting, and actionable insights to support rapid iteration and decision-making.
  • Provide detailed feedback on vehicle behaviour, driving performance, and system gaps from both technical and customer perspectives.
  • Conduct benchmarking activities to evaluate system performance and track progress over time.
  • Develop and improve testing processes, documentation, and operational best practices as the team scales.
  • Manage relationships with external suppliers and service partners.
About you

You’re a hands-on engineer who thrives in fast-moving environments and enjoys working at the intersection of hardware, software, and real-world systems. You take ownership, focus on outcomes, and look for ways to continuously improve how things are done.

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Experience with CANalyzer, CANoe, or similar tools for vehicle diagnostics, along with vehicle instrumentation and data logging tools (e.g. Vector, ETAS, Racelogic).
  • Experience executing structured vehicle tests in proving ground and/or real-world environments.
  • Comfortable working across Linux, Windows, and SSH-based environments.
  • Ability to interpret technical requirements and translate them into clear test cases and validation plans.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, product, and operations teams.
  • Proactive, hands-on approach with a focus on improving processes, tools, and ways of working.
  • Understanding of safe testing practices and risk assessments in safety-critical environments.
  • Ability to analyse test data and deliver clear, actionable insights to engineering teams.

Desirable Skills & Experience

  • Experience working with autonomous vehicle or ADAS systems.
  • Familiarity with scripting or data tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB) for analysis or automation.
  • Understanding of vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and diagnostic protocols.
  • Exposure to simulation or test environments (e.g. HiL, SiL).
  • Awareness of automotive safety standards or regulatory frameworks (e.g. ISO 26262).

This is a full-time role based in our office in Sunnyvale. At Wayve we want the best of all worlds so we operate a hybrid working policy that combines time together in our offices and workshops to fuel innovation, culture, relationships and learning, and time spent working from home.

Wayve is committed to creating an inclusive interview experience. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to participate fully in our interview process, please let us know.

We understand that everyone has a unique set of skills and experiences and that not everyone will meet all of the requirements listed above. If you’re passionate about self-driving cars and think you have what it takes to make a positive impact on the world, we encourage you to apply.
At Wayve we're committed to creating a diverse, fair and respectful culture that is inclusive of everyone based on their unique skills and perspectives, and regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law.

For more information visit Careers at Wayve.

To learn more about what drives us, visit Values at Wayve

DISCLAIMER: We will not ask about marriage or pregnancy, care responsibilities or disabilities in any of our job adverts or interviews. However, we do look to capture information about care responsibilities, and disabilities among other diversity information as part of an optional DEI Monitoring form to help us identify areas of improvement in our hiring process and ensure that the process is inclusive and non-discriminatory.

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