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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Optimal Inc.

Crash Test Technician-ATD

Superior, MI

The Vehicle Safety Test Team is part of the Vehicle Safety Integration Department which focuses on ... Review test plan with engineers to understand ATD/Dummy load case preparation and post-test action

Rivian

Sr. Safety Test Technician

Plymouth, MI

$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 ...

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 ...

Recar

PrincipalVehicle Safety Engineer

Troy, MI

$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 ...

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 ...

Optimal Inc.

Vehicle Test Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

The engineer partners with cross-functional engineering teams to identify, investigate, and ... Test Execution: Perform vehicle and UX testing; document results, issues, and test evidence. Root ...

Optimal Inc.

Vehicle Test Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

The engineer partners with cross-functional engineering teams to identify, investigate, and ... Test Execution: Perform vehicle and UX testing; document results, issues, and test evidence. Root ...

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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer information

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$15

$38

$65

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

As of Aug 6, 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 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.
More about Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan 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 Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 34% Contract, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,210 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Crash Test Technician - Build/Strip

Optimal Inc.

Superior, MI • On-site

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Crash Test Technician - Build/Strip

Job Description:

Client is looking for a Build/Strip Crash Test Technician to join our Vehicle Safety Test Team and Crash Test Laboratory located in Superior Township, Michigan. The Vehicle Safety Test Team is part of the Vehicle Safety Integration Department which focuses on the physical crash testing and passive safety for all Motor Group products. We are currently looking for a automotive crash test technician to support our Pre-Test preparations and Post-Test teardown operations. We are looking for a hard-working automotive engineering test technician who is eager to use their skills to set up and tear down crash test vehicles. The ideal candidate would have a flexible and multi-faceted skillset to support a variety of testing conditions and requirements

  • Review test plan with engineers to understand load case preparation and post-test action
  • Install test equipment and instrumentation used in automotive testing:
    • Accelerometer, pressure sensor, voltage and current monitor installation.
    • Proper Sensor cable routing for each impact test mode
    • Interior/Exterior Trim disassembly and reassembly associated with installation.
    • Accurate written and photographic records of all installed instrumentation.
  • Prepare vehicle for testing (Pre-Test Operations) :
    • Record "received" and "tested" details such as weight, tire size, installed restraints etc.
    • Drain all fluids (coolant, oil, washer fluid, gas, refrigerant) and replace with non-flammable substitutes.
    • Ballast vehicle to specified test weight.
    • Use 3D Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) for structural deformation measurements.
    • Tape/target/paint vehicle to test specification.
    • Replace or modify parts of prototypes such as airbags/restraint systems and structural components
  • Tear down of vehicle after test (Post-test Operations):
    • Remove all instrumentation and drain non-flammable fluids.
    • Use 3D CMM for post-test structural measurement.
    • Preform post-test structural teardown as directed by test engineer including door/pillar skinning, interior trim removal, gas tank removal etc.
  • Work cooperatively in a team environment with other technicians and engineers.
  • Other Responsibilities:
    • Fully document vehicle instruments and modifications in a database environment.
    • Parts and equipment ordering.
    • Maintain shop equipment and tools.
    • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop environment

What You Will Bring to the Role

  • Educational Requirements:
    • Minimum: High School Diploma
    • Preferred: Associate Degree in Automotive Technology field and/or experience in a crash/safety test facility
  • Related Industry Experience Requirements:
    • Technician I Level with 0 to 3 years Experience - R&D Test Preparation activities - Preferred/Ideal: previous experience in automotive safety testing (crash test, sled testing, dynamic impact component/system testing, etc)
  • Required Skills and Knowledge:
    • Experience working in automotive R&D testing environments
    • 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/electronics
    • Vehicle diagnostic skills, reading codes, and troubleshooting vehicle warning lights.
    • PC skills (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
    • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior
    • Ability to multi-task and meet time constraints.
    • Excellent Communication and writing skills.
    • Excellent interpersonal relationship skills working in a culturally diverse environment.

*Fully Onsite

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