Freelance Automotive Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Tire Test Engineer Technician
Job no: 537084
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Virginia Tech Transportation Instit
Location: Danville, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific, Transportation
Job Description
The Tire Test Engineering Technician is responsible for planning, executing, and validating advanced tire force-and-moment evaluations using Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation (GCAPS) globally exclusive Flat Trac LTRe system and Static Fixture. This role applies specialized technical expertise to develop and oversee complex test programs, ensuring accurate, high-quality data for motorsports teams, leading automotive manufacturers, and tire and sensor developers.
The Engineering Technician provides practical and technical leadership by coordinating test activities, preparing detailed analytical reports, monitoring project resources, and ensuring work adheres to established engineering standards. This position exercises independent judgement in troubleshooting, reviewing results, and recommending improvements to testing methods and workflows. The Technician may guide the work of others and play a key role in ensuring projects are completed efficiently, accurately, and within scope. Collaboration with industry partners around the globe expected,
This position is located in Alton, VA and requires full-time, on-site attendance and the use of safety/protective equipment. The position is subject to an alternate work schedule (shift work) to balance sponsored research testing needs with availability of test equipment.
Steel-toe shoes are required by OSHA in workplaces with hazards like falling/rolling heavy objects, sharp objects piercing the sole, electrical shock risks, or exposure to crushing/corrosive substances, common in construction, warehouses, and manufacturing, to protect feet from impact and compression. Protective footwear purchased after July 5, 1994, must comply with ANSI Z41.1-1991 "American National Standard for Personal Protection - Protective Footwear." Slip-resistant footwear assigned by the employer for specific workplace hazards must meet ASTM F1677. Reimbursement up to $125 for safety shoes provided.
Required Qualifications
• Degree in automotive systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other quantitative discipline with exception for significant professional experience in related field, or equivalent technical training/certifications.
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Problem solving related to mechanical systems and control systems
• Must live within commuting distance for this position which requires on-site work
• Experience managing engineering projects
• Strong engineering integration skills
• Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering principles
• Ability to interpret drawings and schematics
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and team skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior development experience with MATLAB or other computational tools
• Demonstrated experience in testing/laboratory setting
• Background in signal processing and calibration
• Experience in industrial or heavy equipment environments
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
8/6/2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
Must live within commuting distance for this position which requires on-site work.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Natalie Jett at njett@vtti.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: July 29, 2026
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App