ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vehicle Test Engineer Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

KODA Technologies

Test Engineer

Bloomington, IN

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

Bloomington, 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

Bloomington, 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVehicle Test Engineer JobsVehicle Test Engineer Jobs in Columbus, IN

Vehicle Test Engineer information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$16

$41

$69

How much do vehicle test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle test engineer in Columbus, IN is $41.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.11 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Vehicle Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Test Engineer job openings in Columbus, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,684 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Test Engineer

KODA Technologies

Bloomington, IN

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Test Engineer

KODA is a people-first company and a three-time Fortune Best Workplace®, Great Place to Work® certified, a Best Place for Working Parents®, and a seven-time Huntsville Best Places to Work® winner.

We're a small business making a big impact on national-priority missions in missile defense, hypersonics, DoD space, and civil space. At KODA, you'll find:

  • Competitive pay & great benefits
  • Career growth & professional development
  • A culture of trust, integrity, and teamwork

The name KODA, meaning "allies," reflects our commitment to our people, our customers, and our community. Join us and build a career that matters!

Position Overview:

KODA Technologies is seeking a motivated and highly skilled Test Engineer to support the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program. 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 integration, ensuring adherence to test standards and procedures, and completing verification and validation activities to document adherence to performance requirements. The role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and external stakeholders to document integration processes, document and analyze results, ensure test readiness, and proactively manage technical, flight safety, personnel safety, and schedule risks. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced program focused on prototyping, testing, and demonstrating hypersonic test rounds. The position works on-site daily in Crane, Indiana.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Coordinating experiment/payload integration and test
  • Developing test procedures, test fixtures, and data collection for requirements validation testing
  • Scheduling test activities along with resource planning with other test engineers for test resources
  • Executing subsystem and vehicle-level testing. The testing will include qualification, acceptance, simulation, ground, and flight testing.
  • Ensure traceability between system requirements, verification artifacts, and test results
  • Develop user guides, training, demonstrations, and other resources for test equipment


Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in missile or rocket systems, flight or ground testing, and/or Engineering for aerospace, defense, or embedded systems
  • Knowledge of architecture, requirements engineering, verification, test, and system integration
  • Understanding of system integration, documentation of procedures, data management, and requirements management
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment

Desired Skills:

  • Experience with sounding rocket, missile, or rocket integration and test
  • Familiarity with Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) testing environment
  • Experience with managing, scheduling, and reviewing environmental testing, including shock, random vibration, sine burst, mass properties, or RF (SMC-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000)
  • Experience with electrical integration and harness fabrication/inspection, shielding (IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, NASA-STD-9739.4)
  • AS9100 quality system standards
  • Familiarity with CAMEO

Full-Time, On-site - Crane, Indiana
Clearance: Active DoD Secret Clearance, or higher, is required.

KODA Technologies Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact info@kodatech.com to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Apply