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Structural Test Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Structural Test Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$73K - $109K/yr

... Test engineers, a Structural Test technician operations vibration, acoustic and Strength test facilities to test NASA hardware. Structural Test technicians are involved in all aspects of test ...

Structural Test Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$73K - $109K/yr

Structural Test Technician Working with NASA flight projects and under the directions of Structural Test engineers, a Structural Test technician operations vibration, acoustic and Strength test ...

This position would provide structural engineering, analysis, and test support for a wide range of cutting edge and exciting aerospace projects including space telescopes, earth science satellites ...

This position would provide structural engineering, analysis, and test support for a wide range of cutting edge and exciting aerospace projects including space telescopes, earth science satellites ...

The Role As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development ... dynamic structural testing) * Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition ...

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Structural Test Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$67.4K

$84.9K

$100.8K

How much do structural test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural test engineer in Washington is $84,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $93,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a structural test engineer do?

A Structural Test Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and conducting tests on structures and components to ensure they meet safety, reliability, and regulatory standards. They analyze materials and structural behavior under various loads and conditions, using both physical testing and simulation tools. Their role often involves working with aerospace, automotive, civil, or manufacturing industries to validate designs, troubleshoot failures, and recommend improvements. The findings from their tests help inform design decisions and ensure the integrity and safety of products and structures.

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

To thrive as a Structural Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or civil engineering, experience with structural analysis, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and finite element analysis (FEA) tools is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards and certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate testing, reliable results, and safe, innovative solutions for structural systems.

How does a structural test engineer typically collaborate with design and manufacturing teams during a project?

Structural Test Engineers play a key role in bridging the gap between design, testing, and manufacturing teams. They work closely with design engineers to understand product specifications and identify critical areas for structural testing. During prototype and production phases, they coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure that test samples accurately reflect intended build quality and incorporate feedback from test results to optimize designs. This collaborative approach ensures that products meet safety and performance standards while streamlining the development process.

What is the difference between Structural Test Engineer vs Civil Test Engineer?

AspectStructural Test EngineerCivil Test Engineer
CertificationsPE, SE, NDT certificationsPE, ACI certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, construction sites, manufacturing plantsConstruction sites, laboratories, field testing locations
Industry UsageStructural components, aerospace, automotive, manufacturingBuildings, infrastructure, transportation projects

Both roles focus on testing structural components, but Structural Test Engineers primarily work on testing structural elements in manufacturing or aerospace settings, while Civil Test Engineers focus on testing construction materials and infrastructure components. The choice depends on the industry and specific testing environment.

What job categories do people searching Structural Test Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Structural Test Engineer jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Structural Test Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,944 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Structural Test Technician

Greenbelt, MD • On-site


KBR, Inc.
IT Services • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$73K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Title:
Structural Test Technician
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
We at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers
Structural Test Technician
Working with NASA flight projects and under the directions of Structural Test engineers, a Structural Test technician operations vibration, acoustic and Strength test facilities to test NASA hardware. Structural Test technicians are involved in all aspects of test facility set-up, machining and flight hardware instrumentation. The Test technicians follow detailed procedures and prepare test documentation. Extensive computer interaction is required for all aspects of testing.
Candidate Duties and Responsibilities Include:
  • Support Vibration, Strength and Acoustic testing of space flight hardware by operating control systems interfacing with facilities and measurement transducers
  • Set up NASA test facilities supporting static load, acoustic, vibration, centrifuge, and modal testing using manlifts, forklifts and cranes
  • Using mills and lathes to modify facilities parts
  • Install accelerometers and strain gages on spacecraft subsystems and structures
  • Connect transducers such as accelerometers, LVDT's, force gages, strain gages and load cells to the appropriate signal conditioners and data acquisition systems
  • Process the collected data and convert to spreadsheets and .pdf files
  • Housekeeping immediate work areas and overall test facilities
  • Operate Man-lifts. Cranes and fork-lifts (training will be provided)

Work Environment
  • Work with other personnel in a group that is Team Oriented
  • Support less experienced technicians with technical advice and training
  • Work in clean rooms
  • Must be capable of working from ladders, scaffolding, catwalks and manlifts
  • Must be able to use the proper PPE as required by work activities

Basic Qualifications
  • Direct experience performing Structural Testing
  • Proficiency Windows OS and Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/Outlook).
  • Familiarity with hand tools & electrical & mechanical principles
  • Familiarity with mechanical drawings
  • Ability to learn new technologies.
  • Distinguish color for 8 color display while monitoring testing data
  • Adhere to policies and procedures at all levels of the test environment

Preferred Knowledge
  • Experience operating vibration and acoustic test control software such as M+P
  • Machining skills on mills, heavy drills and lathes
  • Familiarity using computer interface to operate mechanical and electrical equipment
  • Knowledge of basic electrical and electronic circuits
  • Ability to install instrumentation including, but not limited to accelerometers, LVDT's and Strain Gauges
  • Experience with Crane, Man-Lifts and Forklifts

Logistics
  • US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
  • RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
  • CLEARANCE TYPE: None
  • TRAVEL: No

Basic Compensation:
Jobs on this contract range from $73,200.00 - 109,800 Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, MD area.
The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and in consideration of internal parity.
Additional Compensation:
KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.
KBR Benefits:
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits | KBR
#LI-EM2
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998


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