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Structural Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boeing

Structures Test Engineering Manager

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Structures Test Engineering Manager Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Test and Evaluation (BT ... This position would be in charge of the structural test labs working in collaboration with the ...

Boeing

Structures Test Engineering Manager

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Structures Test Engineering Manager Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Test and Evaluation (BT ... This position would be in charge of the structural test labs working in collaboration with the ...

Boeing

Structures Test Engineering Manager

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Structures Test Engineering Manager Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Test and Evaluation (BT ... This position would be in charge of the structural test labs working in collaboration with the ...

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All JobsStructural Test Engineer Jobs

Structural Test Engineer information

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$59.5K

$75K

$89K

How much do structural test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural test engineer in the United States is $75,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $82,500.00 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.

More about Structural Test Engineer jobs
What states have the most Structural Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Structural Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Structural Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Test Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Structural Test Engineer jobs? For Structural Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Structural Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,000 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Senior Structural Test Engineering Lead

Berriehill Research

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Lead cutting-edge explosive effects testing that helps protect critical infrastructure and advance national security. Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Engineer or Senior Scientist to lead Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing programs within our Hard Target Mechanics Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In this role, you will lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of explosive testing programs that improve the survivability of hardened structures and advance next-generation energetic systems. You'll work with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians to execute complex test programs, evaluate structural performance, and deliver high-quality data that supports critical defense missions.

This senior leadership position combines technical expertise with program management, customer engagement, and business development. You will oversee project execution, planning, budgeting, proposal development, and customer relationships while helping shape the growth of ARA's defense and protective construction portfolio.

Join our employee-owned company and help solve some of the nation's most challenging engineering problems while making a lasting impact on national security.

What you’ll do as a Senior Structural Test Engineering Lead

  • Lead the design, prediction, and execution of explosive effects testing on hardened structures, including blast doors, protective barriers, and critical infrastructure.
  • Evaluate structural response and system performance under extreme loading conditions.
  • Plan and safely execute full-scale field tests and technology demonstrations.
  • Analyze test data and develop engineering recommendations for customers.
  • Prepare technical reports and present findings to government and industry stakeholders.
  • Lead proposal development and capture efforts for new business.
  • Build and maintain relationships with DoD, government, and industry customers.

Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship.
  • Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
  • MS or MEng in Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Experience in structural engineering, construction, or protective structures.
  • Experience leading technical teams or projects.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.
  • Experience with explosive testing or DoD Test & Evaluation programs.
  • Experience with CFD, CSD, LS-DYNA, AUTODYN, Abaqus, ANSYS, or similar simulation tools.
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes.
  • Proposal writing and business development experience.

Job Location:

  • Onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM

Company Details:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979. We employ over 2,300 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies; computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA has a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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