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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Crash Test Technician

Ypsilanti, MI

Review test plans with engineers to clearly understand pre-test requirements, test objectives, and post-test evaluation criteria. * Prepare vehicles for crash testing by recording vehicle ...

New

Rivian

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 ...

Rivian

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 ...

Slate Auto

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 ...

Slate Auto

Principal Vehicle Safety Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$123 - $185/hr

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 ...

Recar

PrincipalVehicle Safety Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$123K - $185K/yr

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

Stellantis

CAE Safety Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

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 ...

Aptino

Safety Performance Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Support impact/crash test script development and identify vehicle or component design features that ... Collaborate with engineering, CAE, testing, vehicle integration, and program teams to meet safety ...

New

Stellantis

CAE Safety Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · Hybrid

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 Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle crash test engineer in Michigan is $38.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.13 and $45.67 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 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 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 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 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.

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.
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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,210 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Crash Test Technician

Vertex Sigma Software

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

HATCI is part of Hyundai Motor Company, supporting work in the automotive industry. This team contributes to vehicle testing activities that require precision, careful documentation, and close coordination between technicians and engineers.
As a Crash Test Technician, you will support critical test preparation and post-test activities that help keep vehicle evaluation programs moving forward. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys hands-on technical work, takes pride in accuracy, and works effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced testing environment.
Responsibilities
  • Review test plans with engineers to understand load case preparation and post-test actions.
  • Install test equipment and instrumentation used in automotive testing, including accelerometers, pressure sensors, and voltage/current monitors.
  • Route sensor cables for each impact test mode.
  • Disassemble and reassemble interior and exterior trim associated with instrumentation installation.
  • Maintain accurate written and photographic records of installed instrumentation.
  • Prepare vehicles for testing by recording received and tested details, draining fluids and replacing them with non-flammable substitutes, ballasting vehicles to specified test weight, using 3D Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) for structural deformation measurements, and taping, targeting, or painting vehicles to test specification.
  • Replace or modify prototype parts such as airbags, restraint systems, and structural components.
  • Perform post-test teardown by removing instrumentation, draining non-flammable fluids, taking post-test structural measurements with 3D CMM, and completing structural teardown as directed by the test engineer.
  • Document vehicle instruments and modifications in a database environment.
  • Order parts and equipment.
  • Maintain shop equipment, tools, and a safe, clean, and organized shop environment.
  • Work cooperatively in a team environment with other technicians and engineers.

Requirements
Educational Requirements
  • Minimum: High School Diploma.
  • Preferred: Associate Degree in Automotive Technology or a related field.
Related Industry Experience Requirements
  • Experience working in automotive R&D testing environments.
  • Previous experience in a crash or safety test facility, including crash testing, sled testing, or dynamic impact component or system testing, is preferred.
Required Skills and Knowledge
  • Experience with disassembly and reassembly of interior and exterior vehicle components.
  • General fabrication experience using TIG/MIG welders, plasma cutter, and handheld fabrication tools.
  • Experience with soldering wires and electronics.
  • Vehicle diagnostic experience, including reading codes and troubleshooting vehicle warning lights.
  • PC skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

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