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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Senior Vehicle Test Engineer

Wittmann, AZ · On-site

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

ROUSH

Senior Vehicle Test Engineer

Wittmann, AZ · On-site

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

Bowhead

Engineer II

Washington, DC · On-site

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

$190K - $225K/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 ...

LV8D Solutions

Space Vehicle Test Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The role of Space Vehicle Test Engineer is a Satellite Systems Engineer with deep Space Vehicle Assembly Integration and Test (SV Al&T). This role provides technical support, coaching and mentoring ...

New

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 ...

M Force

Test Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA

$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 ...

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 ...

KODA Technologies

Test Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

The Test Engineer will be responsible for leading system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems. Key duties include managing hardware and software ...

KODA Technologies Inc.

Test Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

The Test Engineer will be responsible for leading system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems. Key duties include managing hardware and software ...

KODA Technologies Inc.

Test Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

The Test Engineer will be responsible for leading system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems. Key duties include managing hardware and software ...

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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 Jul 23, 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 is a vehicle crash test engineer?

A vehicle crash test engineer designs and conducts crash tests to evaluate vehicle safety and compliance with safety standards. They analyze test data, use specialized equipment, and often work with computer simulations to improve vehicle safety features. This role typically requires knowledge of engineering principles, safety regulations, and proficiency with testing tools and software.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Vehicle Crash Test Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in senior or specialized roles can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership positions, working for large manufacturers, or in regions with high living costs, and may require expertise in testing procedures, data analysis, and safety standards.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or certain senior executive roles in engineering firms can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, and may include bonuses or profit sharing.

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 is the highest salary of a testing engineer?

Vehicle crash test engineers can earn high salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working for major automotive manufacturers or safety organizations. In some cases, senior testing engineers or specialists can earn over $100,000 annually, depending on location and industry demand.

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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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Crash Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Senior Crashworthiness Engineer (B.S., M.S. Level, PE) (56154)

ATS FAMILY

Penns Park, PA • On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

ARCCA, LLC, an ATS Family of Companies, is a growing national forensic, scientific, and engineering firm with six offices nationwide located in Penns Park, PA (suburban Philadelphia); Pittsburgh, PA; Chicago, IL; Hollywood, FL; Oakland, CA; and Seattle, WA. Since 1987, ARCCA has assisted thousands of clients in addressing technical and scientific challenges while supporting litigation needs. The company's experienced and credentialed professionals provide services in Forensic Engineering, Expert Witness Testimony, Sports Biomechanics and Human Performance, and Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation. The quality of this work has established ARCCA as a trusted partner for insurance companies, law firms, government agencies, and corporate safety, claims, and risk management departments.
Applied Technical Services, LLC (ATS) is a leading provider of critical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services. ATS serves clients across a diverse set of large and stable end markets including manufacturing, power generation, aerospace, medical, and defense. ATS was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Today the company employs nearly 2,100 team members in over 95 locations across the United States.
Together, ARCCA and ATS advance a shared mission to create a safe and reliable world through precise technical and professional services.
Job Title: Senior Crashworthiness Engineer
Department: Forensic Engineering
Location: Penns Park, PA
The Senior Crashworthiness Engineer provides technical expertise in the design, evaluation, testing, and performance of occupant protection systems (seat belts, airbags, seats, etc.) within passenger vehicles (i.e. automobiles, aircraft, boats/ships, and trains). Working closely with accident reconstructionists, mechanical engineers, and biomechanical engineers, the crashworthiness engineer is responsible for determining the design effectiveness of occupant protection systems in real-world accident scenarios, and the role these systems play in dictating the occupant kinematics. Job responsibilities include conducting in-person inspections of forensic evidence, performing engineering analyses, designing and executing testing protocols, preparing technical reports, and providing expert testimony at depositions and/or trials.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct hands-on investigations of post-collision forensic evidence including detailed analyses of the hardware components of crashworthiness and occupant protection systems for the purposes of determining design, performance, and potential failures.
  • Prepare and deliver technical/educational presentations to existing or new potential client groups and technical conferences.
  • Enhance professional/technical knowledge and credibility through continuing education programs, review of technical publications and the preparation of technical papers for the peer review community.
  • Prepare technical reports within client cycle-time requirements.
  • Provide expert testimony as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Specialties:
  • Evaluates vehicle structure, seating, and/or restraint systems;
  • Conducts static and dynamic test programs, both in-house and at outside test facilities;
  • Performs structural analysis, crash investigation, failure investigations, occupant motion assessment, and computer simulations;
  • Lead the design and completion of test programs to evaluate various restraint system responses during different scenarios, these test program may include component level quasi-static, sled, and full vehicle crash tests;
  • Research, designs, and evaluates testing conducted by others of various occupant protection systems such as seats, seat belts, airbags, vehicle structures;
  • Child Restraint Specialist, Human Subject Crash Testing, Air and Vehicle Safety Analysis,
  • Restraint Performance (Adult and Child), Vehicle Structures and Testing, Occupant Restraint Systems Research, Failure Analysis and Testing, Injury Mechanism and Kinematic Analysis, and Crash Data Analysis.

  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Bachelor's considered.
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure preferred
  • In-depth knowledge of crashworthiness and occupant protection systems within passenger vehicles (i.e. automobiles, aircraft, boats/ships, and trains)
  • In-depth knowledge of crashworthiness and occupant protection systems within passenger vehicles (i.e. automobiles, aircraft, boats/ships, and trains) and/or an interest in learning about such items and experience in mechanical systems that translate to learning about such systems.
  • Real-world experience in the design and/or testing of items in some capacity. Experience with crashworthiness and occupant protection systems preferred.

Job Competencies & Skills
  • Excellent people and workflow management capabilities
  • Able to organize and manage multiple priorities
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Initiative-taker, and ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills
  • Self-initiate projects during off-peak periods
  • Working knowledge of excel formatting, equations and coding
  • Basic understanding of various software: Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams), PDF Viewer/Editor.
  • Ability and willingness to learn additional software systems such as imc Chronos hardware, imc FAMOS software, laboratory technology/equipment/cameras, and Deltek Vantagepoint.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Applied Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.
Find out more at www.arcca.com
Please note, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an active agreement and prior coordination with our Talent team will not be eligible for placement fees.

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