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Crash Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YA Group

Accident Reconstructionist

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$69K - $91K/yr

Analyze vehicle crush patterns and conduct considerable research (vehicle specs, crash test data, maintenance history, etc.) * Process 3D laser scan point cloud data using engineering workstation ...

Akidev Corporation

Engineering & IT

Newark, CA · On-site

This team focuses on all vehicle safety and crash testing and meet all safety and consumer ... As a Vehicle Safety Test Engineer you will have opportunities to support test engineers and will be ...

EarnIn

Senior SDET - Tooling Engineer

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$210K - $257K/yr

Establish meaningful quality metrics (crash analytics, defect trends, flaky tests, API reliability, release risk scoring) and surface actionable insights to engineering stakeholders. Champion shift ...

Sesame

Hardware Test Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $260K/yr

Stand up an automated test framework driven from a programmable Bluetooth central (Android, iOS, or ... A2DP/throughput, BT link duration, BT latency, battery life, firmware crash counts, and regression ...

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Crash Test Engineer information

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How much do crash test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for crash test engineer in the United States is $44.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a crash test engineer?

A crash test engineer designs and conducts safety tests on vehicles by setting up crash scenarios, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. They often use specialized equipment, such as crash test dummies and data acquisition systems, and require knowledge of vehicle dynamics and safety regulations.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior crash test engineers or automotive safety engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, working for major manufacturers, or in regions with high living costs, and may include bonuses and benefits.

What is the difference between Crash Test Engineer vs Vehicle Safety Engineer?

AspectCrash Test EngineerVehicle Safety Engineer
CertificationsOften requires engineering degrees, safety certifications, and specialized training in crash testingSimilar certifications, with additional focus on safety standards and compliance
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crash test facilities, and testing sitesDesign offices, testing labs, and regulatory compliance settings
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, testing agencies, and safety organizationsAutomotive companies, safety regulatory bodies, and R&D departments

Crash Test Engineers focus on conducting physical crash tests and analyzing impact data, while Vehicle Safety Engineers work on designing and improving vehicle safety features based on test results. Both roles require similar qualifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

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

To thrive as a Crash Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with safety standards, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software, data acquisition systems, and crash simulation tools is essential, as is familiarity with industry certifications such as ISTQB or SAE standards. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help set standout professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure accurate testing, compliance with safety regulations, and the development of safer vehicles for consumers.

How do Crash Test Engineers typically collaborate with other teams during vehicle safety testing?

Crash Test Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including design engineers, data analysts, and safety compliance specialists, to plan and execute crash simulations. They are responsible for coordinating with technicians to set up test vehicles and instrumentation, and they share results with R&D and regulatory teams to refine vehicle safety features. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as crash test data directly informs design modifications and compliance strategies. This collaborative process ensures that safety standards are met and innovative solutions are developed to enhance occupant protection.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior crash test engineers or automotive safety engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in senior or managerial roles within the automotive industry. High compensation often correlates with working for major manufacturers, leading safety programs, or possessing expertise in crash testing, data analysis, and safety standards.

What are crash test engineers?

Crash test engineers are specialized professionals who design, conduct, and analyze vehicle crash tests to evaluate automotive safety. They work with advanced equipment and computer simulations to study how vehicles perform in collisions, ensuring they meet safety regulations and protect passengers. Their work helps manufacturers improve vehicle designs, develop new safety features, and comply with government safety standards. Crash test engineers often collaborate with other engineers, regulatory agencies, and automotive companies.
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Crash Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crash Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
CAE Crash and Safety Engineer

CAE Crash and Safety Engineer

Detroit Engineered Products

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description
  • Crash Safety CAE Engineer:
  • This is a contract position for a Crash Safety CAE Engineer in Auburn Hills, MI. The role involves developing design strategies to meet crash safety targets at the vehicle, system, and component levels, ensuring compliance with global safety regulations and consumer rating protocols.
  • Responsibilities:
  • Lead vehicle design development using CAE, balancing all applicable global vehicle safety requirements.
  • Build and maintain full vehicle and system level CAE models following best practices, ensuring high simulation fidelity and results accuracy.
  • Perform CAE simulations for dynamic and quasi-static crash scenarios, including frontal, side, rear, pedestrian, occupant, and crash avoidance events.
  • Improve structural performance and efficiency with minimized weight and cost (topology, joints, weld/adhesive, gauge, lightweight materials, etc.).
  • Summarize simulation results in a clear and actionable format for development teams.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Program Management, and other engineering teams (Studio, Body, Trims, Electrical, Electronics, Manufacturing, etc.).
  • Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • 8+ years of experience in full-vehicle crashworthiness and multi-physics CAE simulations.
  • Strong knowledge of global regulatory vehicle safety standards (AIS, ECE, FMVSS), consumer safety ratings (US-NCAP, Euro NCAP), and insurance ratings (IIHS, RCAR).
  • Strong understanding of structural mechanics and energy management in crashes based on first-principles physics.
  • Experience in developing crashworthy structures, occupant restraints, exterior and interior systems.
  • Proven ability to correlate the CAE results to physical test data and calibrate virtual models to reflect real-world performance.
  • Proficiency in LS-DYNA, ANSA, PRIMER, HYPERWORKS; familiarity with ADAS active safety simulations and AI/ML-based CAE tools is a plus.
  • Experience working on multiple vehicle platforms, including Electric, Hybrid, and Autonomous Vehicles.
  • Strong communication skills with ability to present results and influence cross-functional design decision

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