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Automotive Test Driver Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Automotive Test Driver information

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How much do automotive test driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive test driver in Washington is $21.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges automotive test drivers face during vehicle testing?

Automotive Test Drivers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing test conditions, maintaining concentration during repetitive driving cycles, and accurately documenting subtle differences in vehicle performance. Working closely with engineers, drivers must communicate feedback clearly and precisely, sometimes under tight deadlines. The role also requires adjusting to various weather conditions and test tracks, which can add physical and mental demands to the job.

What is the difference between Automotive Test Driver vs Vehicle Development Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Test DriverVehicle Development Engineer
Required CredentialsDriver's license, driving experienceEngineering degree, technical skills
Work EnvironmentOn-road testing, track, test facilitiesDesign labs, testing facilities, offices
Industry UsageTesting vehicles' performance and safetyDeveloping and improving vehicle systems
Common Search IntentDriving tests, vehicle handlingVehicle design, engineering processes

Automotive Test Drivers primarily focus on physically testing vehicles on roads or tracks to assess performance and safety, requiring driving skills and licenses. Vehicle Development Engineers, on the other hand, are involved in designing and engineering vehicle systems, requiring technical degrees and engineering expertise. While both roles are essential in the automotive industry, they differ in responsibilities, work environment, and skill requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive test driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Test Driver, you need a valid driver’s license, comprehensive understanding of automotive mechanics, and experience with various vehicle types. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, test data logging systems, and sometimes specialized certifications like a CDL or ASE are typically required. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to follow precise testing protocols help candidates excel in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate vehicle evaluations, maintain safety standards, and provide valuable feedback for product improvement.

What is an automotive test driver?

Automotive Test Drivers are professionals who operate vehicles under a variety of conditions to evaluate their performance, safety, and handling. They test prototypes, new models, and sometimes modified vehicles for manufacturers or automotive testing companies. Their feedback helps engineers and designers identify problems, improve vehicle design, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Test drivers may also document their observations and assist with technical evaluations or diagnostic procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Test Driver jobs in Washington? For Automotive Test Driver jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Test Driver jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Test Driver jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Automotive Test Driver jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Automotive Test Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Automotive Test Driver job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,085 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Lead Automotive Technician

United States Postal Service - Headquarters

Sterling, VA • On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Information

Non-Scheduled Days: Saturday, Sunday
Hours: 1500 - 2330

BENEFIT INFORMATION: This is a career position which offers excellent benefits. Newly hired employees are covered by
the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Upon hire, employees are eligible to contribute into the Thrift Savings
Plan (TSP) which is similar to 401(k) plans. We also offer the option to enroll into the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB)
program as well as the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI). Dental, Vision and Long-Term Care Insurance
Programs as well as Flexible Spending Program to cover eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent care (day care)
expenses are also available. We offer eleven paid federal holidays as well as accrued vacation and sick leave.

DRIVING REQUIRED: Applicants must have a valid state driver’s license, a safe driving record, and at least two years of
unsupervised experience driving passenger cars or larger. The driving must have taken place in the U.S. or its possessions
or territories or in U.S. military installations worldwide.


Must be able to communicate in and understand the English language with or without a reasonable disability accommodation
under the Rehabilitation Act.

Functional Purpose
Serves as a working group leader for lower level technicians and mechanics in a vehicle maintenance facility or an auxiliary
garage; personally performs the most complex repairs and maintenance on all types of motor vehicles used in the postal
fleet; provides work guidance and direction to lower level employees.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Diagnoses operating difficulties on a variety of vehicles and performs operational checks on engines; its major supporting
systems, parts, components, assemblies; including emissions systems, electrical, computer and electronic controlled
components.
2. Performs various computerized and electronic diagnostic tests using specialized equipment; interprets trouble codes and
other information from electronic scanners and test analyzers; uses reference materials such as service manuals and wiring
schematics to determine operational difficulties, drivability problems and evaluates performance efficiency.
3. Conducts road tests before and after maintenance and repairs; annotates vehicle problems on work orders.
4. Troubleshoots malfunctioning vehicles resulting from road calls and identifies improperly functioning part(s).
5. Conducts vehicle inspections, determines necessary repairs, annotates established estimated repair time (ERT); assigns
and schedules work for individual employees or a group of employees engaged in vehicle maintenance.
6. Performs maintenance and repairs resulting from normal preventive maintenance inspections.
7. Provides technical guidance and instructions to mechanics and technicians on more difficult repairs and in the use of
specialized computer-aided diagnostic equipment.
8. Maintains, prepares and updates vehicle maintenance records, annotates repairs, labor hours and other relevant data.
9. Assists in training personnel in the repair of vehicles and the use of specialized computer-aided diagnostic equipment.
10. Personally observes and monitors compliance of established safety practices and procedures of vehicle maintenance
activities; complies with all postal, local, state, and federal environmental regulations and policies.

FUNCTION:
Serves as a working group leader for lower level technicians and mechanics in a vehicle maintenance facility or an auxiliary
garage; personally performs the most complex repairs and maintenance on all types of motor vehicles used in the postal
fleet; provides work guidance and direction to lower level employees.

REQUIREMENTS:
This section is composed of the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) which are required to satisfactorily perform the tasks
of the position. Applicants must demonstrate that they possess a sufficient level of each KSA, to include at least minimum
competency for senior-qualified positions to enable them to perform these tasks satisfactorily. Applicants demonstrate these
levels by describing examples of experience, education, or training, any of which may be non-postal. Ratings are based on
the demonstration of the level of possession of each of the KSAs. Failure to demonstrate any KSA is disqualifying.


Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in automotive components or systems refers to a proficiency in observing,
testing, analyzing, and isolating sources of trouble in automotive systems or their components, such as, electrical/electronic
systems, engine, power train, fuel delivery, suspension, and braking systems through the use of appropriate automotive test
equipment.


Ability to use automotive test equipment refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various types of electrical/electronic
diagnostic test equipment, such as voltage/amperage testers (VAT), multimeters (VOM), test lights, scanners, gas analyzers,
etc.


Ability to make minor and major repairs to automotive components or systems refers to a proficiency in replacing parts,
making adjustments, and rebuilding automotive systems or their components, such as electrical/ignition, emissions, fuel
delivery, engine, suspensions, power train, braking systems, intake, exhaust, and starting aids.


Ability to prepare paperwork refers to the ability to record information and data to complete forms, such as parts requests and
estimated repair time (E.R.T.), as it relates to the operation of a facility.


Ability to work with others refers to the ability to work safely and efficiently in cooperation with fellow employees to perform
the duties of the position to include the test and repair of electrical/electronic and mechanical problems using the appropriate
diagnostic equipment and/or procedure.


Ability to work without (immediate) supervision refers to the ability to perform safely and efficiently the duties of the position,
such as planning and executing work activities without direct supervision.


EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must successfully complete Postal Service's Test 943 and Test 944.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be physically able to perform efficiently the duties of the position.


TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants who qualify under this standard may be required to satisfactorily complete a prescribed training course(s) prior to
reassignment or promotion.


ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:
At the time of appointment, applicants must have a valid driver's license from the state in which they live. Applicants must
also demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record. Applicants selected under this qualification standard must successfully
complete the required Vehicle Familiarization and Safe Operation training, including demonstration of the ability to safely
drive a vehicle of the type used on the job.


Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service's requirement
to be drug free.

Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status.


Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $74,422 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No