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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Engineer I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$79K - $104K/yr

Analyze crash data to identify safety trends and recommend countermeasures. Prepare technical ... to-capacity ratios, vehicle delays, queue lengths, and travel times. Conduct field reviews to ...

Engineer I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$79K - $104K/yr

Analyze crash data to identify safety trends and recommend countermeasures. Prepare technical ... to-capacity ratios, vehicle delays, queue lengths, and travel times. Conduct field reviews to ...

Senior Vehicle Integration Engineer

Wattsville, VA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

SENIOR VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER The Neutron Vehicle Integration Engineer is responsible for integration, test and launch of the Neutron launch vehicle. This position will work closely with the ...

Showing results 41-60

Vehicle Crash Test Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$43

$74

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle crash test engineer in Virginia is $43.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.12 and $51.97 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Virginia?

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

What job categories do people searching Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,238 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Electrical Engineer Level 4 - Electrical Ground Support Equipment - Dulles

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As an Electrical Ground Support Equipment Engineer - Level 4 located in Dulles, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
In this role you will be responsible for developing hardware and software for automated ground support test equipment to validate flight hardware. You will work closely with expert hardware and software engineers to understand component and satellite designs and create test set solutions that effectively and efficiently test them. You will also interface with the subsystem engineers to obtain design requirements. Early on, there will software development work that requires scripting and automation of instruments to perform test sequences according to a test plan. The next phase will be spent in a lab performing integration with the UUT, and troubleshooting any problems with the automated test suites.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Working with the Cognizant Engineer and Test Engineer of the flight Hardware to obtain the Hardware Unit Under Test (UUT) Specification Requirements.
  • Developing requirements for testing of space vehicle components or UUT
  • Working closely with the spacecraft UUT Design Engineer to ensure the component test equipment (CTE)/ automated test equipment (ATE) system will validate the circuit cards and/or electronics box under all test environments
  • Work with the Test Engineer to develop the test plan for the UUT hardware environmental requirements.
  • Generate review material and support design reviews for the test equipment in development.
  • Hardware design of component test equipment (CTE) and automated test equipment (ATE) to test space vehicle components
  • Be responsible for ensuring that the technical requirements, cost, and schedule for the CTE/ATE system development is achieved
  • As part of a design team, be responsible for the end-to-end design, debug, test, and certification of CTE/ATE system
  • Have the responsibility for the documentation development and release of the CTE/ATE system
  • Generate Certification Test Procedures
  • Support of the test and debug for flight and non-flight spacecraft electronic circuit card assemblies (CCA) and boxes
  • To be successful in this role you should have:
  • Experience designing test hardware
  • Fundamental understanding of electrical circuit schematics
  • Working knowledge of Visio, CREO, and/or other mechanical design packages
  • Good communication skills
  • Experience working in a team
  • Experience leading junior engineers
  • Experience documenting and developing cable drawings/wiring diagrams
  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) as well as obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding prior to start date.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience.
  • No clearance required to start
  • US Citizenship
  • Proficiency in an industry standard Programming Language (LabVIEW, C/C++LabWindows CVI, etc.) Position will require being able to create/code projects independently.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Experience developing instrument drivers and test scripts for use in ATE/CTE
  • Strong programming skills using LabVIEW, and LabWindows CVI and/or C/C++
  • Experience developing test application software to interface with test equipment COTS along with instrument drivers
  • Experience in the test and debug of hardware and software systems
  • A fundamental understanding of general and specialized test equipment to include Signal Generators, Logic Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, DMMs, switching matrices, loads and Power equipment.
  • Experience working in an AGILE/SCRUM environment and adherence with meeting schedule commitments

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939