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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Principal Vehicle Safety Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$123K - $185K/yr

Experience planning and executing quasi-static and dynamic crash tests * Ability to interpret test ... Engineering (Master's preferred) * 10+ years of direct automotive experience in vehicle 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 ...

Execute vehicle crash, sled, airbag, or other component tests and report technical results in a ... General business and/or engineering sales Qualifications and Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in ...

... vehicle crash programs, including fixture design specifications, test requests, test readiness ... Mentor junior engineers and influence cross-functional decisions to prioritize safety * Engage with ...

From testing individual components within a vehicle to full scale vehicle crash tests, you have the ... Engineering Responsibilities Daily roles include customer interaction, high-level problem solving ...

The Vehicle CAE Safety Engineer is responsible for developing and optimizing vehicle crash safety ... Correlate CAE performance with physical test results and document best practices for future ...

We engineer extraordinary safety, digital, and sensor solutions for critical environments to put humans at the heart of industrial design. We are the pioneers of crash test dummies and a leading ...

The Vehicle CAE Safety Engineer is responsible for developing and optimizing vehicle crash safety ... Correlate CAE performance with physical test results and document best practices for future ...

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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer information

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How much do vehicle crash test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle crash test engineer in the United States is $44.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Vehicle Crash Test Engineer do?

A Vehicle Crash Test Engineer is responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing crash tests to evaluate the safety and performance of vehicles during collisions. They design test protocols, operate crash test equipment, and interpret data to ensure vehicles meet regulatory and industry safety standards. Their work helps manufacturers improve vehicle designs to better protect occupants and reduce injuries in real-world accidents.

What is a vehicle crash test engineer?

A vehicle crash test engineer designs and conducts crash tests to evaluate vehicle safety and compliance with safety standards. They analyze test data, use specialized equipment, and often work with computer simulations to improve vehicle safety features. This role typically requires knowledge of engineering principles, safety regulations, and proficiency with testing tools and software.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Vehicle Crash Test Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in senior or specialized roles can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership positions, working for large manufacturers, or in regions with high living costs, and may require expertise in testing procedures, data analysis, and safety standards.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or certain senior executive roles in engineering firms can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, and may include bonuses or profit sharing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Crash Test Engineer, and why are they important?

A Vehicle Crash Test Engineer typically needs a strong background in mechanical or automotive engineering, experience with safety standards, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics. Proficiency in data acquisition systems, simulation software (such as LS-DYNA or MADYMO), and familiarity with crash test protocols and regulations (like FMVSS or Euro NCAP) are essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for interpreting test data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and the development of safer vehicles.

What is the highest salary of a testing engineer?

Vehicle crash test engineers can earn high salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working for major automotive manufacturers or safety organizations. In some cases, senior testing engineers or specialists can earn over $100,000 annually, depending on location and industry demand.

What Does a Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Do?

A vehicle crash test engineer plans and analyzes safety tests for the automotive industry. In this role, you coordinate with other members of the manufacturing team to develop and design experiments that assess the safety capabilities of cars. An engineer places sensors and crash test dummies in the cars and makes sure that the test captures the data required to measure all necessary safety variables. Since crash tests are destructive, you may run several computer simulations before conducting a test on an actual vehicle to limit the number of physical exams. You measure the results of each crash test and present your findings to the design and production teams.

What is the difference between Vehicle Crash Test Engineer vs Vehicle Safety Analyst?

AspectVehicle Crash Test EngineerVehicle Safety Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive Engineering or related; certifications like SAE or ASE beneficialBachelor's in Engineering, Safety, or related; certifications in safety standards helpful
Work EnvironmentTesting facilities, laboratories, vehicle testing tracksOffice settings, data analysis labs, safety review meetings
Industry UsageDesigning and conducting crash tests, analyzing crash dataAssessing safety protocols, reviewing crash data, recommending improvements

While both roles focus on vehicle safety, the Vehicle Crash Test Engineer primarily conducts physical crash tests and analyzes test data, whereas the Vehicle Safety Analyst reviews safety data and develops safety standards. The roles complement each other in ensuring vehicle safety and often collaborate within automotive safety teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Vehicle Crash Test Engineers during the testing process?

Vehicle Crash Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex test setups, ensuring precise instrumentation, and meeting strict safety and regulatory standards. They must also adapt quickly to unexpected results or equipment failures while maintaining detailed documentation. Effective communication with design, manufacturing, and data analysis teams is crucial for promptly addressing any issues and ensuring test results lead to meaningful safety improvements.
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Crash Test Technician - Entry Level

Crash Test Technician - Entry Level

MGA Research Corporation

Burlington, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Crash Test Technician (Burlington, WI)
MGA Research Corporation is a renowned independent provider of testing services and equipment for the automotive, aerospace, and energy storage industries. With nine strategic locations across the US and Canada, MGA has established a strong reputation for delivering superior testing capabilities and unwavering customer service.
MGA Research Corporation is seeking a skilled and motivated full-time Crash Test Technician to join our dynamic team. The Crash Test Technician will play a pivotal role in maintaining efficient operations, supporting client interactions, and contributing to the success of our diverse projects.
Job Duties And Responsibilities
  • Work with engineers and other team members to follow test plans and provide technical assistance.
  • Use established procedures to conduct vehicle testing, including taking photos, taking measurements, gathering data, and configuring tests.
  • Install instrumentation, test gear, and assorted components, aligning with engineering specifications, standards, and test protocols.
  • Identify and diagnose technical issues or abnormalities during testing and take corrective actions to address them.
  • Maintain comprehensive records documenting all performed work.

Requirements And Skills
  • It is critical to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
  • Minimum of high school/GED required
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic and constantly changing environment
  • Keen attention to detail, coupled with a strong ability to identify errors
  • Proficiency with MS Office including Word, Excel and Outlook

Benefits 
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid sick/vacation/holiday
  • Yearly discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and raises
  • 401k matching 
  • Tuition reimbursement while employed at MGA

We aim to continue our mission in providing quality services to our customers as we seek to expand our team while contributing to the exciting world of testing.
MGA Research is an equal opportunity employer.