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Roller Coaster Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Want to get off the flat rate roller-coaster and enjoy a stable and predictable paycheck? Are you ... These functions include code/data reading, programming, bi-directional testing, component re-learns ...

Want to get off the flat rate roller-coaster and enjoy a stable and predictable paycheck? Are you ... These functions include code/data reading, programming, bi-directional testing, component re-learns ...

It's ideal for people who want to go all-in, do the work, ride the roller coaster, and have a great ... Manage implementation testing, QA, and go-live readiness * Own technical handoffs from Sales ...

It's ideal for people who want to go all-in, do the work, ride the roller coaster, and have a great ... testing, and reporting. * Own planning, tracking, and reporting for Flip's overall paid marketing ...

Whether you're racing through the air on a heart-pounding roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ... testing. * Interpretation of examination findings and test results, and implementation of treatment ...

Roller Coaster Tester information

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$10

$38

$62

How much do roller coaster tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for roller coaster tester in the United States is $38.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a roller coaster tester?

A Roller Coaster Tester is responsible for evaluating the safety, comfort, and overall experience of a roller coaster before it opens to the public. This includes checking for smoothness, proper restraint function, and any unusual vibrations or issues. Testers often work alongside engineers and ride operators to provide feedback and ensure all safety regulations are met. While the job can be exciting, it requires attention to detail and a strong tolerance for high-speed, intense rides.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a roller coaster tester?

As a Roller Coaster Tester, your daily tasks often include riding new or renovated roller coasters multiple times to assess ride quality, comfort, and safety, along with conducting thorough visual inspections before and after test runs. You'll use specialized instruments to monitor stress points, g-forces, and track integrity, carefully documenting all findings for engineers and maintenance staff. Collaboration is common, as you'll work alongside engineers, safety professionals, and amusement park operators to help implement improvements or troubleshoot reported issues. The role may also require participation in safety drills and staying up to date with changes in safety regulations, making attention to detail and teamwork essential skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the roller coaster tester position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Roller Coaster Tester, you need a background in engineering, physics, or a related technical field, along with strong attention to detail and physical stamina. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data recording systems, safety inspection protocols, and in some cases industry certifications (such as ASTM standards for amusement rides) are typically required. Excellent communication skills, teamwork, and adaptability set outstanding candidates apart, as testers work closely with engineers, maintenance teams, and safety inspectors. These qualifications are crucial for ensuring both ride safety and a high-quality guest experience, as well as for effectively identifying and reporting potential mechanical or structural issues.

How do I become a roller coaster tester?

To become a roller coaster tester, candidates typically need a background in engineering, physics, or a related field, along with strong attention to safety and detail. Some positions require experience with ride operations or mechanical systems, and physical fitness is often necessary due to the demands of the job. Certification in safety standards or ride inspection may also be beneficial.

Is being a roller coaster tester a real job?

Yes, roller coaster testers are real professionals who evaluate rides for safety, comfort, and performance before they open to the public. They typically have backgrounds in engineering, safety inspection, or engineering-related fields and may work for amusement parks or ride manufacturers to ensure compliance with safety standards.
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Infographic showing various Roller Coaster Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 57% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

COASTER MOE - Technician

North County Transit District

Oceanside, CA • On-site

$79K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description DEFINITION Under the direction of the COASTER Maintenance Manager this position performs a variety of maintenance tasks on COASTER revenue vehicles, which incorporate duties of machinist, electrician, and passenger rail inspection & repair. This position will be responsible for the overhaul of the COASTER passenger car fleet which involves the removal, teardown, repair, and installation of interior and exterior components. This position works with mechanical, electrical, electronic and HVAC systems on rolling stock equipment and components in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) standards and guidelines.

Additional responsibilities will include the inspection, testing and maintenance of wheels sets and brakes, repairing suspension and pneumatic systems on rolling stock equipment and components. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Union. Distinguishing Characteristics This position is distinguished by its responsibility for a wide range of mechanical duties in support of the maintenance of COASTER locomotives and bi-level coach and cab cars.

This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines. Supervision Received and Exercised This position reports to the COASTER Maintenance Manager. S/he has no direct supervisory responsibility.

Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted. Working Conditions Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting, including the COASTER Operations & Maintenance Facility, onboard the COASTER trains, at rail stations, and anywhere along the COASTER railroad right of way. Individuals in this position must be able to work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, safety glasses and other Personal Protective Equipment items as assigned by NCTD.

Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required. Examples of Duties Essential Functions Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Fulfills the District's mission to provide of safe, reliable, and user-friendly public transit services for the COASTER rail mode. Emphasis is on providing high-quality, customer-friendly services, that reflect unified operations throughout the District.

Performs repair and replacement of rail equipment components in accordance with applicable federal, state, local regulations and District requirements. Removes interior components, recondition and reinstall new upgraded components to provide for a superior passenger experience. Dismantles, assembles and replaces new or modified mechanical components or assemblies for products such as HVAC, brakes, pneumatic system, truck and car body equipment and sub-systems.

May perform grinding, buffing, welding and burning. Tests finished products to ensure they operate as intended and meet FRA regulations and District requirements. Proposes improvement to equipment, practices and maintenance programs to support the District's mission and vision for public transit services.

Complete applicable reports and any other required documentation as needed based on the specific nature of any incident or issue that occurs while on duty. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education/Experience High School diploma or GED required.

Technical school or apprenticeship program in related field is a plus. Minimum 2 years prior experience working with mechanical equipment required. Experience with maintenance of railroad equipment is a plus.

Experience working with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems required. Experience in rebuilding, repair, and replacement of components required. Experience in both A/C and D/C electrical systems is preferred.

Welding, grinding and metal cutting experience is a plus. A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered. Certificates/Licenses Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than six (6) points in the preceding 36-month period and no DUIs in the prior seven (7) years.

Must be able to pass and maintain DOT physical exam requirements. Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties. Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties. Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics. General Requirements Knowledge and skills in the use of mechanical and electrical tools and equipment Able to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.

Must have strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to successfully interact with individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds through excellent communication, teambuilding, and customer service skills. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, and analyze facts and data. Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties.

Must be able to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities. Physical Requirements The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a daily basis and up to 50 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way.

The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand. Machines / Tools / Equipment Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone. Ability to operate a 2-way radio. Supplemental Information Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers

A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.

You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act webpage.

The hourly rate of pay for this position is $38.17 per the Carpenters' Union. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.