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Freelance Automotive Test Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Lynk

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... tests and ensure successful verification and validation. We build spacecraft fast! So, the ideal ... If you've built embedded or autonomy software in an adjacent domain - robotics, automotive, drones ...

JABIL CIRCUIT, INC

Test Development Manager

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $218K/yr

... automotive, consumer lifestyle and wearables, defense and aerospace, smart home and building ... You will lead a team of software engineers and play a key role in technical decision-making ...

Solomon Page

Contract Technical Recruiter

Rockville, MD · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

... Engineers • Test Engineers • Propulsion Engineers • Mission Operations Engineers • ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

Micron

ENGINEER, DEMQRA AUTOMOTIVE PQRE

Manassas, VA · On-site

$102K - $129K/yr

Develop Product Reliability Methodology, Monitors, Metrics, and Specifications by coordinating with R&D, test, package reliability, and product engineering teams; maintain reliability tests and ...

Micron

ENGINEER, DEMQRA AUTOMOTIVE PQRE

Manassas, VA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Develop Product Reliability Methodology, Monitors, Metrics, and Specifications by coordinating with R&D, test, package reliability, and product engineering teams; maintain reliability tests and ...

Red Carrot

Technical Director

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Test and ensure all equipment is functioning correctly before the start of any production. * Post ... Coordinate with engineers to repair or replace faulty equipment as necessary. * Team Leadership:

Red Carrot

Technical Director

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Test and ensure all equipment is functioning correctly before the start of any production. * Post ... Coordinate with engineers to repair or replace faulty equipment as necessary. * Team Leadership:

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All JobsAutomotive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Automotive Test Engineer JobsFreelance Automotive Test Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Freelance Automotive Test Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$15

$49

$137

How much do freelance automotive test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance automotive test engineer in Reston, VA is $49.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $64.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance automotive test engineer do?

A Freelance Automotive Test Engineer is responsible for evaluating and validating automotive systems, components, or entire vehicles to ensure they meet industry standards and performance requirements. They design and execute test plans, analyze data, and provide recommendations for improvements. As freelancers, they work independently or on a contract basis for different clients, offering flexibility and specialized expertise for specific testing needs.

How does a freelance automotive test engineer typically collaborate with manufacturers and other engineers during a vehicle testing project?

As a Freelance Automotive Test Engineer, you’ll often work closely with OEMs, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams. Communication is key, as you are expected to coordinate test plans, share results, and provide feedback on vehicle performance and safety. Collaboration may involve regular meetings, remote updates, and on-site presence during critical testing phases. Building strong professional relationships helps you stay aligned with project goals while ensuring your findings are integrated into design or production decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance automotive test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Automotive Test Engineer, you need a solid background in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics, and testing methodologies, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data acquisition systems, and industry software such as MATLAB or CANalyzer is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and interpreting test results. These skills ensure accurate vehicle assessments, effective client interactions, and reliable test outcomes in a competitive, project-driven environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Automotive Test Engineer vs Automotive Test Technician?

AspectFreelance Automotive Test EngineerAutomotive Test Technician
CredentialsRelevant engineering degrees, certifications in testing and automotive systemsTechnical diplomas or certifications in automotive technology or testing
Work EnvironmentIndependent projects, client sites, testing labsAutomotive manufacturing plants, testing facilities, labs
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance/contract basis, automotive R&D companies, testing firmsAutomotive manufacturers, testing centers, OEMs

Freelance Automotive Test Engineers typically work independently on various testing projects, often across multiple clients, requiring specialized engineering knowledge. Automotive Test Technicians usually work within company facilities performing routine testing and diagnostics. Both roles involve automotive testing but differ mainly in employment type and scope of responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Automotive Test Engineer job openings:

Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Automotive Test Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,235 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Senior Reliability/Test Engineer

Viavi Solutions

Germantown, MD

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Job Summary:

The Senior Test / Reliability Engineer will be responsible for developing test plans and executing tests to meet reliability requirements of the product. This role involves working closely with design engineers and other team members to ensure that products are designed to be reliable and fault-tolerant, as well as conducting experiments and reporting results. The successful candidate will have experience within the field of RF and data communications protocols.
Primary Role and Responsibilities:

  • Provide DFT direction to R&D from concept stage and throughout new product development.

  • Design, develop, and influence the various automated production systems required to implement the product test strategy.

  • Partner with R&D and Mfg. Engineering to develop contract manufacturing ready and reliable test systems, jigs & fixture.

  • Optimize calibration and test processes for coverage, capability, and test stand capacity.

  • Detail project planning to ensure all test solutions and processes are developed, documented, debugged, deployed, and validated in time for new product pilot run.

  • Effective use of quality tools such as statistical process and measurement uncertainty to ensure test solutions are in control and traceable to a calibration standard.

  • Installation and validation of production systems at the final production facility either at Viavi or contract manufacture.


Metrics:

  • Test Cycle Time, while maintaining effective and agreed upon test coverage.

  • Optimal test coverage and capability at specified budget constraints.

  • Compliant Gage Repeatability and Reliability

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Personal skills/attributes and experience:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical/Electronic Engineering.

  • Minimum 5 years' experience developing automated functional tests, both hardware and software.

  • IDE programing experience in test automation using LabWindows CVI or NI TestStand.

  • Competent in Digital/Audio/RF/Microwave communication concepts.

  • Knowledge of industry standard test technologies and methods using test equipment such as Network Analyzers, Signal (Spectrum) Analyzers, Measurement Receivers, Signal Generators, Audio Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, and DMMs.

  • Program language experience with emphasis on ANSI C and familiarity with languages such as Python, PowerShell, Linux Shell, C++.

  • SQL database programming experience for test record and data management.

  • General knowledge of statistical process control concepts and use of tools for analysis and reporting.

  • General knowledge of measurement uncertainties and calibration traceability to national standards.

  • Written documentation experience such as test specifications, procedures, installation instructions, interconnects, assembly drawings, preventive maintenance.

  • Project planning experience. - Communicates effectively with the team, interdepartmental stakeholders, and contract manufactures.

  • Engages actively with the team and manager reporting status while working on objectives. - Demonstrates leadership skills and self-motivation.

  • Ability to travel internationally up to 10% of the time to contract manufacturing sites.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

Job Posting Pay Range:

88,900

to

165,100

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

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