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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MGA Research Corporation

Test Engineer - CA

Hughson, CA

$71K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Rivian

Subject Matter Expert, Crash Structures

Irvine, CA · On-site

$171K - $213K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Proven experience in system-level engineering and integration, connecting multiple vehicle domains ... tests. * Ability to innovate and develop new methods for validation, integration, and predictive ...

MGA Research Corporation

Test Technician - CA

Hughson, CA

$21.63/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

From testing individual components within a vehicle to full scale vehicle crash tests, you have the ... capable of assisting engineers...We Need You, the future of transportation needs you.

ALSO

Staff Vehicle Test Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

ALSO is looking for a Vehicle Test Engineer to play a key role in defining and supporting reliability, durability, and feature testing. What You'll Do * Define, create, and drive execution of overall ...

SAIC

Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... vehicles. Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical ...

SAIC

Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... vehicles. Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Test Engineer

Foster City, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Test Engineer - RiderDash, Concierge and CoreDash Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office We ... The ideal candidate will play a key role in manual release validation and vehicle mission testing ...

SAIC

Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... vehicles. Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Test Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Test Engineer - RiderDash, Concierge and CoreDash Onsite in Foster City, CA 5 days in office We are ... The ideal candidate will play a key role in manual release validation and vehicle mission testing ...

SAIC

Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... vehicles. Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Test Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Test Engineer - RiderDash, Concierge and CoreDash Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office We ... The ideal candidate will play a key role in manual release validation and vehicle mission testing ...

Denken Solutions, Inc.

Test Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$80.67/hr

Client is looking for a Test Engineer to join the Electrical Integration Lab (EIL), where we validate the software and hardware systems that power our autonomous vehicles. * In this role, you'll be ...

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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer information

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$17

$43

$73

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle crash test engineer in California is $43.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $51.73 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.

How do I get a job in vehicle crash test engineering?

To become a vehicle crash test engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with crash testing procedures, safety standards, and tools like data acquisition systems is important, and certifications such as those from SAE International can enhance prospects.

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.
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For Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in California with the most Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings:

Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Test Engineer - CA

MGA Research Corporation

Hughson, CA

$71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

TEST ENGINEERS
The sky is the limit when it comes to new ideas here at MGA Research Corporation because we are always looking for ways to improve and your ideas are valued. From testing individual components within a vehicle to full scale vehicle crash tests, you have the opportunity to expand your electrical and mechanical skill set while working in a team-oriented, hands-on environment.
About Us
MGA Research is known as one of the leading automotive testing companies worldwide. It’s true we focus on safety and reliability, doing all we can to protect both drivers and passengers as we conduct product safety. In addition to the automotive industry, MGA conducts safety testing in the aerospace and energy storage industries as well as equipment fabrication.
What We Need
We are looking for Engineers with technical backgrounds who are comfortable in both independent and team-oriented roles; Leadership opportunities are available creating a high potential in career advancement.
Engineering Responsibilities
Daily roles include customer interaction, high-level problem solving, and data analysis.

  • Collaborate with related MGA facilities to maintain consistent operating practices and introduce improvements throughout.
  • Provide "hands-on" test engineering including project setup, specifications, and performance
  • Guarantee that new testing equipment is performance validated, operating procedures are in place, and training is conducted
  • Manage numerous continuous improvement initiatives without disruption of day-to-day testing activities.
  • Ensure lab equipment maintenance is performed as needed and equipment calibration schedules are adhered to.
  • Forecast facility and equipment needs to support business growth.
  • Provide technical support of day-to-day testing activities.
  • Quality related activities such as preparation, checking, and filing of calibration reports and maintaining our instrument database
  • Daily communication with project engineers to forecast resource needs and help set priority of workload with our instrumentation teams
Requirements
For this position, it is imperative to have a Bachelor of Engineering degree at an Accredited University. Additional Qualifications include:
  • Strong desire to work in an advanced technical field
  • Quality and safety mindset
  • Comfortable using hand tools
  • Comfortable working with computers
  • Authorized to work in the United States
Other desired skills:
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic and constantly changing environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Clean and organized worker to help drive overall shop cleanliness and organization.
  • Confidence to speak up for safety related issues.
What We Offer - Benefits
    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Paid sick/vacation/holiday
    • Competitive Pay - $71,000/year starting
    • Yearly discretionary bonuses and raises
    • 401k matching
    • Profit-sharing
    • Tuition reimbursement while employed at MGA
    • Opportunity for advancement: MGA promotes internally
    • Travel opportunities between MGA’s eight North American facilities
Locations
Our ten facilities in North America, include:
  • Akron, NY
  • Burlington, WI
  • Greer, SC
  • Hughson, CA
  • Irving, TX
  • Lincoln, AL
  • Manassas, VA
  • Mississauga, Ontario
  • Queretero, Mexico
  • Troy, MI
     

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 in the safety industry.
We are currently accepting applications for all locations: Anyone with these skill sets, and all other interested applicants are encouraged to apply.
MGA Research is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply