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Automotive Test Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Automotive Test information

See Washington salary details

$14

$28

$44

How much do automotive test jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive test in Washington is $28.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Automotive Test vs Automotive Quality Assurance?

AspectAutomotive TestAutomotive Quality Assurance
Primary FocusConducting tests on vehicle components and systems to ensure functionality and safetyMonitoring and improving processes to ensure overall product quality
Work EnvironmentTest labs, vehicle testing grounds, and development facilitiesQuality control departments, manufacturing plants, and inspection sites
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in testing methods, technical skillsQuality management certifications, engineering background, process knowledge

Automotive Test professionals focus on performing specific tests on vehicle parts and systems to verify safety and performance. In contrast, Automotive Quality Assurance specialists oversee the quality processes throughout manufacturing to prevent defects. While both roles require technical knowledge and engineering credentials, their daily tasks and work environments differ, with testing centered on validation and QA on process improvement.

What are some common challenges faced in an automotive test engineer role, and how can they be addressed?

Automotive test engineers often face challenges such as tight project deadlines, rapidly evolving technologies, and the need to comply with strict safety and regulatory standards. Addressing these challenges typically involves effective time management, continuous learning to stay updated on industry advancements, and close collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams. Clear communication and thorough documentation are also essential to ensure that test results are accurate and actionable, helping to identify issues early and maintain high product quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Test Engineer, you need strong knowledge of automotive systems, mechanical and electrical engineering principles, and often a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data acquisition systems, and testing software such as CANalyzer or LabVIEW is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate test results, vehicle safety, and seamless collaboration with design and manufacturing teams.

What are automotive test engineers?

Automotive test engineers are professionals who develop and conduct tests on vehicles and their components to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. They design testing procedures, analyze test results, and collaborate with other engineers to improve vehicle performance. Their work covers a range of areas such as crash testing, emissions, durability, and electronics, making sure vehicles meet both regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Automotive Test jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Automotive Test job openings:
Infographic showing various Automotive Test job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,675 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Lead Automotive Technician

United States Postal Service - Headquarters

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 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