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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pacer Group

Sr. Vehicle Safety Test Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Job Title: Sr. Vehicle Safety Test Engineer Job Location: Newark CA 94560. Duration: 12 months ... crash testing, sub-system and components). • Manage preparation and execution of vehicle tests ...

Dew Software

Vehicle Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

Vehicle Safety Test Engineer (Contract) Location: Newark, CA -Onsite Duration: Long Term Contract We are seeking a skilled Vehicle Safety Test Engineer to support vehicle safety and crash testing ...

Pacer Group

Sr. Vehicle Safety Test Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Sr. Vehicle Safety Test Engineer Job Location: Newark CA 94560. Duration: 12 months Payrate: $40/hr ... Attend crash tests at supplier facilities for development and official testing. * Ensure all ...

MGA Research Corporation

Test Engineer

Lincoln, AL

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 ...

Rivian

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 ...

Rivian

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 ...

Be Additive

Vehicle Safety Test Engineer

Newark, CA

Vehicle Safety Test Engineer This position will primarily be onsite in Newark with a potential to ... This team focuses on all vehicle safety and crash testing and meet all safety and consumer ...

MGA Research Corporation

Test Engineer - CA

Hughson, CA

$70K/yr

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 ...

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

As of Jun 6, 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 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 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.

How to become a crash test engineer?

To become a crash test engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with vehicle safety testing, understanding crash dynamics, and proficiency with testing equipment and data analysis are essential; certifications in safety standards or testing procedures can also enhance prospects.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings:
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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Sr. Vehicle Safety Test Engineer

Sr. Vehicle Safety Test Engineer

Maxonic, Inc.

Newark, CA • On-site

$40/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Maxonic maintains a close and long-term relationship with our direct client. In support of their needs, we are looking for a Sr. Vehicle Safety Test Engineer.

Job Description:

 

Job Title: Sr. Vehicle Safety Test Engineer

Job Type: Contract

Job Location: Newark, CA

Work Schedule: On-site

Pay Rate: $40 Based on experience.

Job Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Vehicle Safety Test Engineer to support vehicle-level safety, crash, and regulatory validation testing for next-generation automotive platforms. This role focuses on execution of physical vehicle tests, data collection, and compliance support for FMVSS and global safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have strong automotive test experience in OEM, Tier-1, or test lab environments, with a focus on vehicle validation, instrumentation, and regulatory test execution.

Key Responsibilities
  • Execute vehicle safety and regulatory compliance tests including FMVSS, ECE, NCAP, and related standards
  • Support crash test preparation, instrumentation setup, and post-test data collection
  • Perform vehicle-level validation testing including functional safety and durability checks
  • Install and verify test equipment such as sensors, data loggers, and measurement systems
  • Collect, analyze, and report test data using tools like Excel and basic engineering software
  • Support prototype vehicle builds and test readiness activities
  • Collaborate with test labs, engineering teams, and certification groups
  • Ensure all testing is conducted safely and in compliance with lab procedures
  • Document test results and assist in regulatory reporting packages
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 3–7+ years of experience in automotive testing or vehicle validation
  • Experience in vehicle-level testing (OEM, Tier-1, or test labs)
  • Familiarity with FMVSS, ECE, NCAP, or similar regulatory frameworks
  • Hands-on experience with vehicle instrumentation and data acquisition systems
  • Basic understanding of vehicle systems (brakes, chassis, safety systems, sensors)
  • Ability to work in a hands-on lab and field test environment
Preferred Skills
  • Experience in crash test support or safety validation labs
  • Knowledge of tools like CAN tools, data loggers, or test bench systems
  • Exposure to prototype vehicle testing programs
  • Understanding of automotive electronics or sensor systems
  • Strong documentation and reporting skills
Soft Skills
  • Detail-oriented and safety-focused mindset
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced test environments
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Ability to follow structured test procedures accurately
Why This Role

This is a hands-on execution role in vehicle safety validation, offering exposure to:

  • Real-world vehicle testing
  • Global regulatory standards
  • Prototype and production vehicle programs
  • Cross-functional automotive engineering teams

About Maxonic:

Since 2002 Maxonic has been at the forefront of connecting candidate strengths to client challenges. Our award winning, dedicated team of recruiting professionals specialized by technology, are great listeners, and will seek to find a position that meets the long-term career needs of our candidates. We take pride in the over 10,000 candidates that we have placed, and the repeat business that we earn from our satisfied clients.

Interested in Applying?

Please apply with your most current resume. Feel free to contact Subrajeet Paul (/ ) for more details. 

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