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Crash Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mentor engineering teams on system-level integration, method development, and crash strategy ... tests. * Ability to innovate and develop new methods for validation, integration, and predictive ...

S. Crash Champions was founded in 1999 as a single Chicago repair center by industry veteran and ... Code, test, and prepare releases to existing software solutions following established design ...

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Crash Test Engineer information

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How much do crash test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 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.

How much do car crash testers make?

Crash test engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working for major automotive companies can earn higher salaries. Skills in data analysis, safety testing, and familiarity with testing equipment are important in this role.

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.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Crash Test Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within automotive safety or engineering management. Most crash test engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer, with higher salaries possible for senior or lead positions.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Crash Test Engineers can enter the field at any age, as the role values relevant skills, experience, and certifications. Many engineers start or transition careers later in life, and age is generally not a barrier if you have the necessary technical knowledge and training in areas like safety testing, CAD software, or vehicle dynamics.

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 $300,000 a year?

Senior crash test engineers or automotive safety engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in senior management or consulting roles within the automotive industry. High compensation often reflects expertise in crash testing, safety standards, and the use of advanced testing equipment.

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.
More about Crash Test Engineer jobs
What states have the most Crash Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Crash Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Crash Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Crash Test Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Crash Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Product Manager - Electronics/Hardware

Product Manager - Electronics/Hardware

Diversified Technical Systems, Inc.

Seal Beach, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

DTS is looking for a results-driven Product Manager to lead product strategy and execution across Aerospace & Defense and Automotive Crash Test markets. This role blends technical depth with market insight to deliver innovative solutions and drive business growth.

Summary

The Product Manager plays a critical role in the product development and management process by partnering with DTS Sales Managers, Sales Partners, stakeholders and customers to understand customer needs, define technical requirements, and craft a successful vision for DTS products. The Product Manager is strategic and execution focused for multiple customer markets. This role focuses on technical discovery, value proposition development, market definition, and solution articulation. The Product Manager is responsible for our Aerospace & Defense market, Automotive Crash Test market, and any future markets.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Additional responsibilities and requirements may be added or changed at any time with or without notice.

Responsibilities and Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Leading technical discovery sessions with prospective customers to understand application requirements and constraints. Prioritizing needs based on ROI and tradeoffs.
  • Researching and understanding the markets, our position, and our competitors to identify opportunities and gaps.
  • Developing and maintaining the product strategy to support revenue growth, customer retention, and market expansion initiatives.
  • Authoring Product Design Specification (PDS) documents which serve as inputs to the Engineering product development process. Translate diverse market needs into scalable product capabilities.
  • Planning and prioritization of product development and maintaining the product feature backlog, including the New Feature Request process.
  • Creating and maintaining use cases, user stories, product requirements, and specifications.
  • Leading the Commercial Launch Plan process.
  • Maintaining existing products including monitoring KPIs and customer feedback to prioritize ongoing development.
  • Serving as the product ambassador internally and externally.
  • Working with others to identify adjacent and new markets for DTS.
  • Performing other related duties and responsibilities as requested by DTS management.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Responsibilities and Duties satisfactorily. The qualifications and skills listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities for the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or similar discipline and significant experience (approx. 10+ years) in a technical role involving data acquisition, sensors, or embedded systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is necessary.
  • Related experience working in automotive crash, flight test, or aerospace & defense (A&D) sectors is necessary. Developing an in-depth understanding of DTS product lines over time is essential.
  • Product management or product owner experience (5+ years) including responsibility for hardware product definition is necessary.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple products at multiple stages of development with a broad group of stakeholders. Includes the ability to understand and adjust project priorities, develop plans that will achieve stated goals on schedule, anticipate problems, and develop innovative solutions to correct or prevent obstacles is necessary.
  • The ability to effectively communicate and present information, verbally and in writing, in a professional, diplomatic manner to a variety of audiences (internal, customers, and vendors) as well as the ability to simplify complex topics are necessary.
  • Well-developed analytical, reasoning, inter-personal communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills are necessary. Familiarity with data analytics tools and product metrics is also necessary.
  • Demonstrated ability to appropriately address and document details, simultaneously manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with other individuals/departments is necessary.
  • Demonstrated proficiency using MS Windows as well as various computer programs, such as Outlook, Word, Excel (advanced functions), Project, and PowerPoint, as well as the ability to learn and master several essential DTS software products is necessary.

Benefits:

Why Join DTS?

For six consecutive years, DTS has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work”—and for good reason. We believe happy, empowered employees lead to exceptional customer outcomes. Here's what we offer:

  • Competitive base salary and performance bonus structure
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Six paid company holidays plus the final week of the year off (paid)
  • Free on-site EV charging stations
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Voluntary insurance plans including accident and critical illness coverage
  • Tuition and training assistance
  • 401(k) with employer match

Estimated Salary Range:

The estimated salary range listed below allows for candidates with various levels of skill and experience to be considered, as well as room for growth achieved within the role over time. Offers extended to a candidate will be based upon their unique set of knowledge, skills, education, and experience as well as internal equity.

$149k - $195k annualized

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Equipment Use

This position works in an environment in which safety, environmental and health concerns may demand constant attention. The work environment is a production and engineering area and typical business office. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Occasional US and/or international travel to customer, vendor, corporate, and/or other sites may be necessary based on business or customer needs.

ITAR Statement

This position requires compliance with U.S. Export Control requirements. Therefore candidates must qualify as a a U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15.

Equal Opportunity Statement

DTS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local regulations.