Vehicle Hardware & Software Technician

Applus+ IDIADA; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Applus+ IDIADA, a leading company in automotive engineering, is seeking a technician to join their testing team in Mountain View, California. The candidate will be responsible for executing testing and instrumentation for chassis and safety programs alongside world-leading experts in a fast-paced environment.

The position demands strong organizational skills and a proactive attitude towards automotive technology. Qualifications include experience in diagnostics and maintenance along with basic Linux knowledge.

Qualifications

• Experience performing inspections, diagnostics, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work across mechanical and electrical vehicle systems.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine vehicle inspections, diagnostics, and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot issues across mechanical, electrical, and basic software systems.
• Document issues, work performed, and vehicle readiness status clearly.

Skills

Automotive diagnostics

Electrical systems troubleshooting

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Education

Automotive or electromechanical technician foundation

Tools

Basic Linux familiarity

Slack

Jira

Google Suite

Job description

Applus+ IDIADA is a global partner to the automotive industry, supporting its clients in their product development activities by providing design, engineering, testing, and homologation services. As a TOP Employer certified company, we have a large team of more than 3000 professionals drawn from over 22 countries, as well as an international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 25 countries which ensures that our clients get customized, added-value solutions. IDIADA offers you the opportunity to develop a career in one of the worldwide leading automotive engineering companies.

At Applus IDIADA we are looking for talent to help us shape the mobility of tomorrow with safer, more efficient, and sustainable vehicles. With presence in 22 countries, we offer job positions around the world and internal/transversal mobility within the company. The automotive sector is currently living a moment of deep technological change. At IDIADA, we focus on constant innovation to adapt our services’ portfolio to an ever‑changing environment. Therefore, as part of our team, we expect you to be dynamic and eager to learn and grow with us.

If you want an opportunity to challenge yourself and enhance your technical skills, to work in a thriving environment and to work alongside world‑leading experts, then apply for one of our vacancies.

Job Description

As part of the testing team, technician will be responsible to execute testing and instrumentation activities as regards Chassis, Active Safety and Durability programs. The role requires someone highly organized, objectively‑focused, and with ability to manage their own daily routine.

Core Responsibilities

• Perform routine vehicle inspections, diagnostics, and maintenance
• Troubleshoot issues across mechanical, electrical, and basic software‑facing systems
• Support hardware and software retrofit activity as needed
• Document issues, work performed, parts used, and vehicle readiness status clearly
• Communicate identified issues, repair status, and support needs to operations and support teams
• Help return vehicles to deployment‑ready status as quickly and safely as possible
• Follow established safety procedures and use sound judgment while supporting fleet operations

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Automotive or electromechanical technician foundation
• Experience performing inspections, diagnostics, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Ability to work across mechanical and electrical vehicle systems
• Basic Linux familiarity, including terminal navigation and ability to review logs or error outputs
• Clear documentation habits and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Safe work practices and sound operational judgmentTravel availability

Preferred Qualifications

• ASE or OEM technician certifications
• ADAS or sensor calibration experience
• Exposure to LiDAR, radar, cameras, or embedded computer systems
• EV, AV, depot, fleet, or R&D vehicle experience
• Familiarity with tools such as Slack, Jira, Google Suite, or similar systems
• Experience supporting vehicle retrofits, updates, or field issue resolution

Additional Information

Job Functions

• Must be able to stand, walk up and down hills, bend, kneel, sit for lengthy periods, and use hands for various functions such as typing and using various hand tools.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions for long periods of time.
• Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours. Mandatory overtime and weekends may be required.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
• Passionate of the automotive world.
• Willingness to travel and hour adaptability, including weekends.
• Committed with strong service orientation.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license
• Travel availability

Schedule

• Monday to Friday
• Some weekends

Equal Opportunity Employer

APPLUS IDIADA is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.