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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

Engineer III

Washington, DC · On-site

Overview ENGINEER III (NHTSA): Bowhead is seeking an Engineer III to support the National Highway ... vehicle full-scale crash testing, component level testing, NCAP, and FMVSS test procedures and ...

MGA Research Corporation

Test Technician

Lincoln, AL · On-site

Full vehicle crash * Dynamic sled * Airbag deployment and analysis * Static strength * Life cycle ... Active communication with project engineers during test execution to ensure customer's technical ...

ROUSH

Vehicle Test Engineer II

Wittmann, AZ · On-site

Job Summary The Vehicle Test Engineer II will support test procedure execution, for full vehicles, on test track or road surfaces, at the request of Program or Design Engineers, for attributes such ...

ROUSH

Vehicle Test Engineer II

Wittmann, AZ · On-site

Job Summary The Vehicle Test Engineer II will support test procedure execution, for full vehicles, on test track or road surfaces, at the request of Program or Design Engineers, for attributes such ...

Bowhead

Engineer II

Washington, DC

Motor vehicle crash-related data files, including data from the Federal Highway Administration ... test procedures, and related data analysis. * A strong understanding of, or experience with ...

ALSO

Staff Vehicle Test Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

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

YA Group

Senior Accident Reconstructionist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Analyze vehicle crush patterns and conduct research (vehicle specifications, crash test data, maintenance history, etc.) * Process 3D laser scan point cloud data using engineering workstation ...

M Force

Test Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

... arms, unmanned ground vehicles, and other electromechanical products. This Test Engineer - Robotics role will be responsible for developing test plans, executing validation procedures ...

Pae

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI

Battery Lab Test Engineer is responsible for supporting the Design Verification (DV) physical testing, and certification of traction battery pack systems for hybrid and electric vehicles.This is an ...

Amentum

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

... Lab Test Engineer is responsible for supporting the Design Verification (DV) physical testing, and certification of traction battery pack systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. This is an ...

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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 Jun 29, 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.

How do I get a job in crash testing cars?

To become a vehicle crash test engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with safety testing, data analysis, and familiarity with crash test procedures and equipment can improve your chances, and certifications in safety standards or testing methods are beneficial.

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 highest paying automotive engineering job?

The highest paying automotive engineering roles are often senior positions such as automotive engineering managers, chief engineers, or specialized roles like vehicle safety director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership abilities, often supported by certifications and a strong understanding of vehicle design and testing processes.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior vehicle crash test engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in safety testing can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in senior management or consulting roles within the automotive industry. High compensation often reflects leadership responsibilities, expertise in crash analysis, and working for major manufacturers or testing organizations.

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 much do car crash testers make?

Vehicle crash test engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior testers or those working for government agencies may earn higher salaries, and the role often requires knowledge of safety standards and testing procedures.

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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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Safety Vehicle Evaluation Engineer

EDAG Inc

Farmington, MI

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description

Who we are:

EDAG Inc. is a globally leading, independent engineering services provider that combines excellent engineering with the latest technology trends. We are the experts in the all-round development of complete vehicles and smart factories. Our interdisciplinary expertise in the areas of software and digitalization means that we have the crucial skills to actively shape dynamic transformation processes as an innovative partner.


Development with passion. That's us.


With an interdisciplinary team of around 9,000 experts, EDAG develops unique mobility and industrial solutions for customers that include the world's leading automotive and non-automotive companies.


This is how you will grow:

This role focuses on full-vehicle and occupant safety testing, managing test properties and logistics, delivering high-quality data, and ensuring alignment with FMVSS, IIHS, and US NCAP standards.


The ideal candidate will be an experienced engineer with proven expertise in vehicle crash and sled testing, instrumentation, and regulatory compliance. Highly organized, analytical, and collaborative, this individual will thrive in a fast-paced environment while ensuring safe, reliable, and innovative vehicle performance.

  • Support Vehicle Safety Engineering development and delivery of Test Program
  • Deliver quality test events through fixturing, test set up, test property pedigree verification.
  • Manage, track and deliver any required test property updates and retrofits
  • Drive delivery of testing to project milestones
  • Ensure quality test reports and proper data collection
  • Manage parts and logistics for testing development
  • Deliver efficient test property usage through re-use strategies
  • Communicate all test results to the cross functional teams

Requirements

This is how you will take us forward:

  • Full Vehicle testing experience and a deep understanding of requirements (208,214,212,219,301,305), corresponding test procedures, and required Instrumentation. 
  • Candidates should also be familiar with IIHS and US NCAP testing procedures.
  • Automotive OEM experience
  • Engineering degree needed

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