1

Sled Testing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Summary The Senior Occupant Safety Engineer takes on a more independent role in developing and ... Sled Testing, Impact sled testing and full Vehicle Testing is required. * Hands On CAE experience ...

... Sled Testing, Impact sled testing and full Vehicle Testing is required. * Hands On CAE experience ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field. * 5+ years experience in automotive safety ...

Sr. Safety Test Technician

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$40.67 - $50.84/hr

Collaborate directly with Test Engineers to execute full-vehicle crash tests, sled testing, and component-level safety evaluations. * Support the installation, extraction, and shipment of critical ...

Sr. Safety Test Technician

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$40.67 - $50.84/hr

Collaborate directly with Test Engineers to execute full-vehicle crash tests, sled testing, and component-level safety evaluations. * Support the installation, extraction, and shipment of critical ...

Testing ranges from dynamic sled, airbag, static component, and full vehicle crash as we support ... General business and/or engineering sales Qualifications and Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sled Testing Engineer information

See salary details

$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do sled testing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for sled testing engineer in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sled testing engineer do?

A Sled Testing Engineer is responsible for conducting crash simulations using a sled test apparatus to evaluate the safety and performance of automotive components, such as seats, seat belts, and airbags. They design, set up, and execute tests that replicate real-world crash scenarios, collect data, and analyze the results to ensure compliance with safety standards. Sled Testing Engineers also collaborate with design, safety, and manufacturing teams to recommend improvements based on test outcomes. Their work is crucial for enhancing vehicle safety and meeting regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by sled testing engineers during crash simulations?

Sled Testing Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise setup and calibration of testing equipment, dealing with unexpected equipment malfunctions, and accurately interpreting large volumes of sensor data. Coordinating with design and safety teams to replicate real-world crash conditions can also be complex. Additionally, strict safety protocols and tight deadlines require strong attention to detail and efficient problem-solving skills. Overcoming these challenges is essential for providing reliable data that supports vehicle safety improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sled testing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sled Testing Engineer, you need a background in mechanical or automotive engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with crash testing protocols. Familiarity with data acquisition systems, high-speed cameras, and industry-standard safety testing software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills for success in this role. These capabilities ensure accurate test execution, reliable safety data, and effective collaboration across engineering and safety teams.

What are popular job titles related to Sled Testing Engineer jobs?

For Sled Testing Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Occupant Safety Engineer

Irvine, CA • On-site

Rivian
Automobile Dealers • 10K+ employees

$135K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 160 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
The Senior Occupant Safety Engineer takes on a more independent role in developing and correlating
CAE models, optimizing safety systems, and working closely with function groups and testing teams to
validate occupant safety performance. This position involves deeper technical analysis and the ability to
connect multiple inputs and deliverables to improve vehicle safety.
Responsibilities
  • Develop, correlate, and maintain occupant safety CAE models at the component, system, and
    vehicle levels.
  • Conduct advanced occupant protection simulations, assessing vehicle system performance to
    comply with FMVSS, UNECE, US NCAP, IIHS, Euro NCAP, and other standards, at the component,
    system, and vehicle levels.
  • Optimize airbag and seatbelt systems, evaluating different countermeasures for enhanced safety.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure all design changes support safety
    objectives.
  • Conduct DOE studies to explore design sensitivities and improve robustness.
  • Develop and implement automated scripts for data post-processing and visualization.
  • Support physical testing and correlation, working with the safety testing team to analyze test
    results and refine CAE models.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years experience in automotive safety, vehicle testing, or system integration.
  • Ability to travel to vehicle and component launch locations.
  • Strong working knowledge of FMVSS, ECE, NCAP and other automotive safety evaluation
    preferred.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills, ensuring clear expectations and structured
    execution of tasks.
  • Prior Experience with performance evaluations of safety components and systems thru static
    testing, impactor testing, Occupant Sled Testing, Impact sled testing and full Vehicle Testing is
    required.
  • Hands On CAE experience is a required (LS-DYNA
  • Good experience with occupant safety, structures safety and design for high level safety targets.
  • Willingness to work around physical testing environment and extended work hours at times.

Personal Attributes:
  • Demonstrates autonomy in executing and improving occupant safety analysis.
  • Recognizes patterns in performance data and uses insights to enhance safety strategies.
  • Manages multiple assignments, balancing various inputs and deliverables efficiently.
  • Communicates clear performance expectations and provides progress updates.
  • Actively listens to diverse perspectives and engages in open discussions about improvements.
  • Identifies the need for change and proactively suggests enhancements in methodologies

Pay Disclosure
The salary range for this role is $135,100-168,900 for Southern California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.
The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.
You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than September 4th, 2026.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy and Technology
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.
AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.
Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

What Rivian employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Rivian logo

About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009