2

Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver Jobs in Michigan

Support vehicle test activities by integrating prototype hardware and test planning into vehicle-level testing. * Manage hardware inventory and test cells to support scheduled tests and ensure ...

New

Coordinate prototype vehicles, test parts, fixtures, and testing schedules. * Perform root cause analysis on test failures and implement corrective actions. Work closely with Design, Manufacturing ...

Coordinate prototype vehicles, test parts, fixtures, and testing schedules.​ * Perform root cause analysis on test failures and implement corrective actions. Work closely with Design, Manufacturing ...

... prototype vehicles * Assist engineers during installation and transfer of test measurement ... Valid driver license required with CDL preferred. * Solid knowledge and understanding of vehicle ...

Showing results 21-40

Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time prototype vehicle test driver?

To excel as a Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver, you need a valid driver's license, advanced driving skills, and a strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and safety protocols. Familiarity with data logging equipment, vehicle diagnostic tools, and sometimes specialized certifications like a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to follow precise instructions are standout soft skills for this position. These abilities are essential for accurately evaluating prototype vehicles, ensuring safety, and providing reliable feedback to engineering teams.

What are some common challenges faced by full time prototype vehicle test drivers and how can they be addressed?

Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Drivers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing test procedures, maintaining confidentiality about unreleased features, and working irregular hours to meet testing schedules. Staying organized and flexible is key, as test plans can shift based on engineering needs or unexpected vehicle behaviors. Regular communication with engineers and test coordinators helps address issues promptly and ensures accurate feedback for vehicle improvements. Additionally, adhering strictly to safety protocols is essential when dealing with unproven technologies.

What is the difference between Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver vs Test Driver?

AspectFull Time Prototype Vehicle Test DriverTest Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, automotive knowledge, sometimes engineering backgroundDriver's license, basic driving skills
Work EnvironmentTesting facilities, prototype vehicles, controlled environmentsPublic roads, various driving conditions
Employer & IndustryAutomotive manufacturers, R&D departmentsAutomotive testing companies, manufacturers
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on prototype testing, specialized vehicle developmentGeneral vehicle testing, driving performance

Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Drivers are specialized professionals working primarily with prototype vehicles in controlled environments, often requiring automotive knowledge and specific credentials. Test Drivers have a broader scope, including testing various vehicles on public roads. The main difference lies in the environment, vehicle type, and level of specialization involved.

What is a full time prototype vehicle test driver?

Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Drivers are professionals who operate experimental or pre-production vehicles for automotive manufacturers. Their main role is to test and evaluate the performance, safety, and functionality of new vehicle models under various real-world conditions. They provide feedback to engineers and designers, helping to identify issues before vehicles go to market. This job often requires detailed record-keeping, strong communication skills, and adherence to strict confidentiality agreements regarding unreleased vehicle features.
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs in Michigan? For Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Full Time Prototype Vehicle Test Driver job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Test Vehicle Program Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI

$86K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

In this position... 
The Test Fleet Engineer supports vehicle test programs through fleet lifecycle management, vehicle readiness, technical analysis, and financial oversight.
The Test Fleet Engineer is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of vehicle test fleet activities. This role works closely with engineering, test, finance, and operational stakeholders to understand program needs, maintain vehicle availability and readiness, support technical issue resolution, and provide effective management of fleet-related assets and resources. 

You'll have...

  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • 5+ years experience supporting vehicle testing, fleet operations, vehicle programs, or automotive engineering activities.
  • 5+ years Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills.
  • 5+ years Familiarity with vehicle systems, diagnostic tools, data acquisition, and CAN data/log analysis preferred.
  • 5+ years Experience with budgeting, cost tracking, financial reporting, or asset management preferred.
  • 5+ years Ability to interpret technical requirements and translate them into coordinated vehicle support activities.
  • 5+ years Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, test, finance, and operational teams.
  • 5+ years Proficiency with common business applications, data analysis tools, and reporting systems.

Even better, you may have...

  • Experience with fleet management systems or asset tracking software (e.g., Fleetio, Samsara, or similar platforms)
  • Familiarity with vehicle test program lifecycles, including prototype, development, durability, or certification testing phases
  • Experience with vehicle diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II scanners, ETAS, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer) for CAN data acquisition and log analysis
  • Prior experience supporting automotive OEM or supplier test fleet operations
  • Working knowledge of DOT, FMVSS, or other regulatory/compliance requirements affecting test vehicle operations
  • Experience with financial/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for budget tracking, forecasting, and expense reporting
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools for building fleet performance dashboards and metrics reporting
  • Experience coordinating with external vendors, logistics providers, or transportation partners to support fleet movement and readiness
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Automotive Technology, or a related technical field
  • Six Sigma, Lean, or other process improvement certification
  • Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities across multiple concurrent vehicle programs
  • Experience with vehicle configuration management and change control processes

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service 
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day 
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. 

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900. 
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid

#LI-AC4

What you'll do...

  • Support management of vehicle fleet assets throughout their lifecycle, including availability, readiness, utilization, and record accuracy.
  • Partner with engineering and test teams to collect vehicle requirements, align priorities, and support fulfillment of vehicle requests.
  • Coordinate activities required to maintain vehicles in appropriate condition and configuration for program and test needs.
  • Conduct technical investigations and root cause analysis to help identify, document, and resolve vehicle or operational issues.
  • Support vehicle testing and analysis activities, including review of vehicle data and CAN logs, as applicable.
  • Manage fleet-related financial activities, including budget planning, expense tracking, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve utilization, reduce waste, manage cost, and strengthen operational processes.
  • Develop and maintain reports, metrics, and documentation related to fleet performance, vehicle status, financial performance, and program support.\
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support timely, compliant, and cost-effective fleet operations.
  • Contribute to vehicle, system, and software validation activities, including test execution, issue investigation, and results analysis, as needed to support program objectives.

Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982