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Vehicle Crash Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

Engineer III

Washington, DC

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 ...

Goken

Test Engineer - Vehicle Dynamics

Raymond, OH · On-site

This role will support engineering test and development activities for vehicle dynamics testing. Responsibilities: * Lead and support the engineering test activities by applying engineering ...

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 ...

TRC Inc

Engineer - Impact Testing

East Liberty, OH · On-site

The ILO Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes crash testing and impact simulation processes ... Design, test, and implement new procedures, systems, software and equipment for vehicle crash ...

ALTEN Technology USA

$75K - $90K/yr

Vehicle Dynamics Test Engineer **ONSITE in East Liberty, Ohio What You Will Do: * Act as the lead for vehicle dynamics objective test campaigns, overseeing everything from initial test planning to ...

Pae

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

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 ...

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

As of Jun 7, 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.

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.

How to become a crash test engineer?

To become a crash test engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with vehicle safety testing, understanding crash dynamics, and proficiency with testing equipment and data analysis are essential; certifications in safety standards or testing procedures can also enhance prospects.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Engineer III

Bowhead

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview

ENGINEER III (NHTSA):

Bowhead is seeking an Engineer III to support the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Washington, DC. This position requires in-depth knowledge at a comprehensive professional level, of the application of engineering theories, techniques and methods to the gathering, classification, and interpretation of analytical information. 

Responsibilities
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of motor vehicle transportation related areas of research and engineering. 
  • Demonstrate authoritative knowledge of the resources, precedents, practices, and availability of data within the field of transportation research and engineering.
  • Demonstrate skill in development of analysis plans; research report review; assimilation, aggregation; analysis of evolving technologies enabling modern motor vehicle safety capabilities and in the development of presentations and technical reports. 
  • Demonstrate proficiency with the use various types of databases and spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Access and Excel.
  • Exhibit excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Qualifications
  • B.S. degree preferred. 
  • Two (2+) years of experience. 
  • High skill levels in MS Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
  • Extensive experience developing presentations and writing technical reports.
  • Experience or aptitude to work with one or more of the following:
    • Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
    • Crash Investigation Sampling System (CISS)
    • Crash Reporting Sampling System (CRSS)
    • Motor vehicle crash-related data files, including data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Census Bureau, and R.L. Polk.
  • An extensive understanding of, or experience with, vehicle crashworthiness and restraint systems, vehicle full-scale crash testing, component level testing, NCAP, and FMVSS test procedures and related data analysis.
  • An extensive understanding of, or experience with, vehicle ADS systems, crash avoidance testing, NCAP and FMVSS test procedures, and related data analysis.

Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time Must be able to twist, bend, and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Public Trust level. A minimum of three (3) years US residency, or US Citizenship, is required for a Public Trust clearance at this location.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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