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Freelance Automotive Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Tech International

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Automotive Test & Fixture Technician

Detroit, MI · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Automotive Test & Fixture Technician Location: Farmington Hills, MI - Metro Detroit Pay: $18-$23 ... Work directly with engineers to support testing, equipment setup, fixture preparation, and project ...

Cognizant

NY · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Automotive Test Automation Engineer Required Experience - 3+ Yrs. of Experience Job Requirements The Automotive Test Automation Engineer is responsible for delivering a stable and representative test ...

Astemo

Brake Test Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

We are seeking a talented and self-motivated Brake Test Engineer to support the development and validation of automotive brake calipers and brake control systems. This position will be 100% onsite at ...

Astemo Ltd

Brake Test Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

We are seeking a talented and self-motivated Brake Test Engineer to support the development and validation of automotive brake calipers and brake control systems. This position will be 100% onsite at ...

Pae

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI

We are the world's top supplier of automotive test facilities, providing a full range of services ... Battery Lab Test Engineer is responsible for supporting the Design Verification (DV) physical ...

Amentum

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

We are the world's top supplier of automotive test facilities, providing a full range of services ... We are seeking a Battery Lab Test Engineer for the Allen Park, MI location Battery Lab Test ...

G-TECH Services

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Automotive Test Technician

Milford, MI · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

... test areas ... Support various engineering groups that are responsible for meeting federal requirements and the ...

Dynamic Manufacturing

Test Engineer

Hillside, IL · On-site

$65K - $120K/yr

The Test Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining testing strategies, sequences, and machines for automotive transmissions, engines, drive units, valve bodies, EV ...

Stellantis

Impact Safety Test Engineer

Chelsea, MI · On-site

The Impact Safety Test Engineer is responsible for the planning, preparing, and performing impact ... Minimum of 5 years of automotive experience * Proficiency in Microsoft Office & MS Teams * Ability ...

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Freelance Automotive Test Engineer information

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

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance automotive test engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 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.

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Cities with the most Freelance Automotive Test Engineer job openings:

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Freelance Automotive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Automotive Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Automotive Test & Fixture Technician

Detroit, MI • On-site

Compass Tech International
Human Resources Consulting Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Compass Tech Internationalexternal

$18 - $23/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Automotive Test & Fixture Technician

Location: Farmington Hills, MI – Metro Detroit
Pay: $18–$23/hour
Position Type: Ongoing Contract (long-term)
Industry: Automotive Testing & Validation

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Automotive Test & Fixture Technician to join an automotive testing and validation laboratory in Farmington Hills, Michigan, in the heart of the Metro Detroit automotive industry.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in fixture building, fabrication, automotive testing, wire harnesses, or mechanical assembly who wants to gain additional experience working alongside engineers in a professional automotive validation environment.

The technician will support wire harness testing, custom test fixture fabrication, test equipment setup, and data collection for automotive programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare, set up, and perform wire harness-related testing according to automotive specifications.
  • Fabricate and build custom test fixtures using 2D and 3D prints, drawings, and technical information.
  • Use various test equipment, environmental chambers, hand tools, and power tools.
  • Assemble, modify, and prepare fixtures and equipment for automotive validation testing.
  • Collect, record, and maintain accurate test result data.
  • Work directly with engineers to support testing, equipment setup, fixture preparation, and project requirements.
  • Help maintain project schedules and ensure testing is completed according to customer deadlines.
  • Participate in equipment calibration and work instruction activities.
  • Support continuous improvement and Kaizen initiatives within the laboratory.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory/work environment.
  • Follow established safety procedures and good housekeeping practices.

Minimum Qualifications

  • 3–5 years of experience or equivalent experience in fixture building, fabrication, automotive repair/testing, mechanical assembly, or a related hands-on technical field.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience using hand and power tools.
  • Ability to read and interpret 2D and 3D prints/drawings.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
  • Good communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work safely in a laboratory and testing environment.

Preferred Skills

  • Test Fixture Fabrication
  • Fixture Building
  • Wire Harness Testing
  • Automotive Testing
  • 2D & 3D Print Reading
  • Mechanical Fabrication
  • Hand & Power Tools
  • Test Equipment
  • Environmental/Test Chambers
  • Data Collection
  • Equipment Calibration
  • Kaizen / Continuous Improvement

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers the opportunity to work in Farmington Hills, one of Metro Detroit's major automotive and engineering hubs, with exposure to hands-on automotive validation and testing projects. It's a strong opportunity for mechanically inclined technicians looking to build experience in automotive testing, fixture fabrication, wire harnesses, and engineering laboratory operations.

Company Description

About CTI: Compass Tech International (CTI) is dedicated to providing the highest quality Staffing, Recruiting and Managed Services to our customers nationwide, to create greater efficiencies, better results and effective communications to improve their talent access and worker effectiveness while finding solutions for workflow and process improvement.

Talk today to your Compass Tech recruiter. If the immediate job opportunities from our 100+ active client companies is not readily apparent, CTI’s team will stick with you to find the right opportunity, or guide you to improve your process to find success. And via that, a brighter career path.