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Vehicle Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Mechanical Test Technician

Lisle, IL · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

... commercial vehicle and medical. Molex is now hiring for a Mechanical Test Technician for the Engineering Test Lab in Lisle, Illinois with a passion and excitement for contributing to product ...

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All JobsVehicle Test Engineer JobsVehicle Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Vehicle Test Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$45

$77

How much do vehicle test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle test engineer in Chicago, IL is $45.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.47 and $54.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vehicle test engineer do?

A Vehicle Test Engineer is responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing tests on vehicles to ensure they meet safety, performance, and reliability standards. They work with various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or specialty vehicles, and use both laboratory and real-world testing environments. Their role often involves collaborating with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to identify issues and recommend improvements. Vehicle Test Engineers also document results and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This position is crucial for ensuring that vehicles are safe, efficient, and ready for consumer use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vehicle test engineer?

To thrive as a Vehicle Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, experience with vehicle dynamics, and a relevant degree. Familiarity with data acquisition systems, automotive diagnostic tools, and software like MATLAB or CANalyzer is commonly required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting test results and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure accurate testing, compliance with safety standards, and the successful development of reliable vehicles.

What are some common challenges faced by vehicle test engineers during the testing process?

Vehicle Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system failures, working within tight deadlines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They must adapt quickly to changing test requirements and environmental conditions, especially when conducting tests outdoors or on test tracks. Effective communication and collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams are essential to resolve issues efficiently and deliver reliable test results.

What is the difference between Vehicle Test Engineer vs Automotive Test Technician?

AspectVehicle Test EngineerAutomotive Test Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive Engineering or related; certifications like ISTQB or SAETechnical diploma or associate degree; certifications in vehicle systems or testing
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, test tracks, vehicle development facilitiesTesting facilities, repair shops, on-road testing environments
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, R&D departments, testing agenciesVehicle service centers, testing companies, manufacturing plants

Vehicle Test Engineers focus on designing and overseeing vehicle testing procedures, analyzing data, and improving vehicle performance. Automotive Test Technicians perform hands-on testing, maintenance, and data collection during vehicle testing phases. Both roles are essential in vehicle development but differ mainly in their responsibilities and level of technical involvement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Vehicle Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Test Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,876 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Section Manager Suspension & Axles - TRATON R&D US, LLC

International Motors, LLC

Lisle, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

International Motors rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

249th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Position Overview
We currently have a great opportunity for a Section Manager - Suspension & Axles on our TRATON R&D Team.
TRATON Group R&D is the innovation and engineering backbone of the TRATON Group - driving research and development across the commercial vehicle industry, across our brands (International, MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus). We are a global organization of around 9,000 employees working together to accelerate innovation, improve speed and deliver scalable solutions across the Group.
Position Details
We are looking for a dynamic and team-oriented candidate to be the Product Manager for the VCT - Integration & Test Planning. This VCT is responsible for complete vehicle test plans, test vehicle count optimization, test vehicle build coordination and test vehicle fleet management through close collaboration with the BID organizations. This role requires strong team building and management skills in order to meet the needs across all sites, Group VCTs (complete vehicle verification) and BIDs (complete vehicle validation).
As Section Manager for Suspension and Axles within Rolling Chassis, you will lead a cross-site team responsible for meeting legal and project requirements with optimized properties for TRATON's truck and bus chassis. You will drive the development and integration of new and existing technological solutions to meet customer requirements while collaborating closely with all TRATON brands.
  • Lead and develop a diverse team of engineers and specialists in suspension performance and axle requirements and integration across several sites
  • Responsibility for capacity and capability of the section to match the needs of ongoing and future development programs
  • Support the development process from concept through production and product follow up
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and cross-brand collaboration
  • Close collaboration is required with stakeholders in all areas of chassis and cab to ensure a modular approach and alignment for vehicle integration
  • Actively contribute in the Domain management team
  • Represent the section in cross-functional and cross-brand forums, ensuring alignment with TRATON's strategic goals

Desired Skills
  • Proven leadership experience in a global, matrixed R&D environment, preferably within automotive or commercial vehicles.
  • Strong technical background in suspensions, ride handling, axles and vehicle integration.
  • Experience managing engineering teams and complex projects across multiple brands or locations
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to navigate different cultural perspectives
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering field, or equivalent experience
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus
  • Self-driven, structured, and result-oriented, with a collaborative and open-minded approach

What kind of position/job is this?
This is a full-time, permanent role within TRATON Group R&D.
Where is the job located?
This is a global role. The role is intended to be based in one our TRATON Group R&D's core hubs - Lisle, Illinois (USA), Munich/Nuremberg (Germany), São Paulo/Resende (Brazil) or Södertälje (Sweden).
Who will I be reporting to?
You will report functionally to Jernelle Buckley and legally to your local line manager depending on where you are based.
About us
At TRATON, you are an important part of something bigger. Joining TRATON Group R&D means gaining access to the ins and outs of the entire transportation industry - working with colleagues across brands and regions to shape future technologies and solutions. As part of a global team of industry experts, you get to think bigger, experience more and reach further. Together, we have the collective power to transform transportation.
Recruiting Process
Recruiting process if selected: 30 min Teams Technical Screening with TRATON Hiring Manager or their team member, Cross Brand Interview, Candidate selection, Offer Phase
Cross-Brand Recruiting
By applying to this position, please be aware that we may share your application (e.g., CV) with relevant stakeholders across TRATON Group and its brands to enable a group-wide recruitment process.
Resume & Interview
Application and interview language is English. No cover letter needed.
Contacts
Hiring Manager: Jernelle Buckley: Jernelle.Buckley@us.traton.com
Lead Recruiter: Tess Cochrane: Tess.Cochrane@international.com
Application Period
Applications will be accepted until: September 30, 2026
Screening will take place on an ongoing basis during the application period.
Transportation.
We look forward to your application!
Responsibilities
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 6 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience

OR
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 5 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience

OR
  • PhD in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 4 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience

Additional Requirements
  • Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)

Desired Skills
EEO Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email HUB@International.com to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.

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