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Optimal Inc.

Crash Test Technician-ATD

Superior, MI · On-site

Crash Test Technician-ATD Client is looking for a Build/Strip Crash Test Technician to join our ... Review post-test data anomalies and investigate/trouble shoot root cause of the problem

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How much do crash investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for crash investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do crash investigators face during on-site investigations?

Crash Investigators often work in dynamic and sometimes hazardous environments, requiring quick assessment of the scene while ensuring personal safety. They must accurately document evidence, sometimes under adverse weather or low-light conditions, and manage interactions with law enforcement, first responders, and sometimes distraught victims or witnesses. Balancing the need for thoroughness with the urgency to clear accident scenes for public safety can also be challenging. Adaptability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential for overcoming these challenges.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a crash investigator?

To thrive as a Crash Investigator, you need expertise in accident reconstruction, knowledge of traffic laws, and a background in engineering, law enforcement, or a related field, often supported by specialized training or certification. Proficiency in accident reconstruction software, evidence collection tools, and data analysis systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately determining causes of accidents, producing clear reports, and supporting public safety initiatives.

What is a crash investigator?

Crash investigators are professionals who analyze vehicle accidents to determine their causes and contributing factors. They collect evidence from crash scenes, interview witnesses, review vehicle data, and sometimes reconstruct accidents using specialized software and techniques. Their findings help improve road safety, inform legal proceedings, and guide policy decisions. Crash investigators may work for government agencies, insurance companies, or private firms, and often collaborate with law enforcement and engineers.
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What cities are hiring for Crash Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Crash Investigator job openings:
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Crash Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crash Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Crash Investigation Specialist

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$102K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Crash Investigation Specialist in the Crash Investigation Division (CID) within the Office of Data Acquisition (ODA). The Crash Investigation Division supports NCSA data systems that are used throughout the Agency for regulatory action and defect evaluation by crash data researchers, public and private institutions, and the auto/child restraint industries. The data must be as accurate, complete, and as timely as possible.
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Duties
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The Crash Investigation Specialist:
  • Conducts high-quality field investigations of special interest motor vehicle crashes and reviews special interest motor vehicle crashes identified by the Agency or the Chief of Crash Investigations for Agency dissemination.
  • Coordinates with the Crash Investigation Division staff, to assure all required changes or updates needed in the Crash Investigation Division data collection programs are carried out.
  • Participates as a national expert in the development and maintenance of the various crash data collection programs and databases.
  • Provides timely written replies to correspondence from the public, automotive industries, and government agencies concerning special projects, prepares reports for the Office Director, Division Chief and other team leaders regarding the status and operations of the various projects.

The ideal candidate for this position has expert experience in determining occupant kinematics in all types of crashes. Proficiently determining the involved physical components and ultimately reconstructing the crash events and code the detailed crash data based on NHTSA guidelines, protocols, and procedures. This level must also be able to develop and deliver technical training and substantive feedback to crash technicians to improve the quality of NHTSA data.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
  • You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
  • DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:
  • Experience in crash data collection using basic standard techniques, protocols, and procedures, including assisting with field operations and quality control checks.
  • Experience applying basic scientific principles to analyze and reconstruct motor vehicle crashes using software to calculate delta-v from vehicle and scene evidence.
  • Experience assisting in preparing technical reports, detailed assessments, and briefings, as well as assisting in designing and executing specialized studies utilizing large-scale national crash databases.

To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:
  • Experience in crash data collection and performing final technical quality control reviews using established protocols and procedures.
  • Experience applying scientific principles to analyze intermediate crash dynamics, occupant kinematics, and reconstruct motor vehicle crashes.
  • Experience preparing technical reports and briefings, as well as designing, implementing, and executing specialized crash studies utilizing large-scale national databases.

To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:
  • Experience in leading motor vehicle crash reconstructions and injury causation assessments on a national scale.
  • Experience designing, developing, and establishing national standards for motor vehicle crash databases.
  • Experience directing special crash studies, authoring high-level technical reports, and briefing agency leaders and industry stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  • Technical Knowledge: Crash data collection techniques and procedures, and ability to apply evidence to occupant kinematics.
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking: Knowledge and experience in applying scientific principles and theories in analyzing and reconstructing motor vehicle crashes.
  • Communication: Ability to prepare technical reports and detailed assessments including concise briefings of motor vehicle crash investigations.
  • Project Management: Knowledge of the structure use and quality control of national or state databases used to track motor vehicle crash data collection and to identify potential safety problems and causes.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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