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Structural Test Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Collaborate with suppliers and engineers from loads, design, M&P, structural test and certification throughout the entire product development process from prototype to high-rate production * Provide ...

Senior Airframe Stress Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Collaborate with suppliers and engineers from loads, design, M&P, structural test and certification throughout the entire product development process from prototype to high-rate production * Provide ...

Principal Systems Test Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger ... dynamic structural testing) * Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition ...

Principal Systems Test Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger ... dynamic structural testing) * Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition ...

Senior Materials, Process, & Test Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$104K - $134K/yr

Senior Materials, Process, & Test Engineer About Electra Electra's mission is to develop a hybrid ... Driving structural and material trade studies to balance weight, manufacturability, durability, and ...

Senior Materials, Process, & Test Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$104K - $134K/yr

Senior Materials, Process, & Test Engineer About Electra Electra's mission is to develop a hybrid ... Driving structural and material trade studies to balance weight, manufacturability, durability, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 9, 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 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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Structural Test Engineer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,944 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Test Engineer, Structural & Vibration Testing

X Energy LLC

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

$112K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.
Job Description
This role is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of test activities for the advanced reactor technologies. The role will coordinate with system engineers to identify required testing, plan the necessary test program(s), oversee the entire test hardware lifecycle including development, procurement, fabrication, installation, testing, and decommissioning, and document and communicate results throughout the organization.
The role may work in a general office space (onsite/remotely via technology) and/or in a designated facility laboratory area. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to talk, hear, walk, and move consistently throughout the day. May be subject to high temperatures, noises, and vibrations from generating equipment. May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds. May be required to work in cramped spaces.
Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities
  • Help enact standard processes and best practices associated with technology maturation, test planning and execution.
  • Work with system engineers to assess system risks, identify testing needs and requirements, develop test plans & specifications, and provide oversight of test activities.
  • Support planning, design and development of test facilities, equipment and infrastructure.
  • Engage with vendors to provide technical oversight of start-to-finish testing activities, from initial concept development through test execution.
  • Provide general oversight of internal and external testing activities to verify the technical and programmatic completeness of testing performed.
  • Provide in-person supervision of test setup, installation, commissioning and execution.
  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or nuclear engineering or related degree from an accredited institution.
  • Level IV: Typically, ten years of experience in a test engineering role.
  • Level V: Typically, fifteen years of experience in a test engineering role.
  • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience. A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience. Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
  • Hands on experience with hardware development, testing and experimentation.
  • Demonstrated experience with design of experiment and test planning.

Preferred Skills:
  • Demonstrated experience with structural and vibration testing
  • Expertise in different dynamic load sources; seismic, flow induced, mechanical, transport
  • Proven ability to lead full testing lifecycle; test requirements definition, concept development, planning, procurement and execution
  • Understanding of structural design and analysis
  • Experience working under strict quality assurance and regulatory frameworks

Compensation
As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.
Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:
Level IV: $112,275 - $187,125 / Level V: $126,450-$210,750
Position Job Classification
Full time - Exempt
Benefits
X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.
Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)
E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish