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Vehicle Test Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

We are currently hiring a Senior Structural Test Engineer to join our Test Team. In this role, you ... vehicles and AI technologies. What you will be doing: * Define ICT capability, hardware design ...

Autonomous vehicle Operator with CDL

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Test other aspects of our autonomous vehicles * Complete timely and detailed ride reports for our operations and engineering teams * Must be able to work specific shifts, including early mornings ...

Autonomous vehicle Operator with CDL

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Test other aspects of our autonomous vehicles * Complete timely and detailed ride reports for our operations and engineering teams * Must be able to work specific shifts, including early mornings ...

Structural Dynamics Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Collaborate with structural, mechanical, and flight test engineers to optimize vehicle designs for weight, strength, and dynamic performance * Support test planning by providing guidance on ...

Showing results 21-40

Vehicle Test Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$16

$42

$71

How much do vehicle test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle test engineer in Houston, TX is $42.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.92 and $50.05 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 popular job titles related to Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Vehicle Test Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Vehicle Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Vehicle Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Vehicle Test Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,883 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Senior Structural Test Engineer

Nvidia

Houston, TX • On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build next-generation boards and systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver functional test hardware solutions.

  • Define and drive the structural test plan for baseboards and systems, review design concepts, and establish validation strategies.

  • Develop and automate test infrastructure configurations, ensuring coverage of key product features while optimizing cost, quality, and manufacturability.


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA, the AI computing company, has transformed computer graphics, parallel computing, and deep learning with the invention of the GPU in 1999. As we continue to grow, we are seeking top talent to help drive further innovation. We are currently hiring a Senior Structural Test Engineer to join our Test Team. In this role, you will build next-generation boards and systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver functional test hardware solutions.

The ideal candidate will define and drive the structural test plan for baseboards and systems, review design concepts, and establish validation strategies. You will develop and automate test infrastructure configurations, ensuring coverage of key product features while optimizing cost, quality, and manufacturability. You will also lead the implementation of structural test plans to detect SMT, PCB, and component issues as early as possible. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across diverse product lines, from consumer graphics to autonomous vehicles and AI technologies.

What you will be doing:

  • Define ICT capability, hardware design requirements, and board debug capabilities, enabling structural testing at Texas CM sites.

  • Optimize structural test plans to identify SMT, PCB, and component issues early.

  • Collaborate with board designers, layout engineers, tester vendors, and fixture providers, offering DFM guidance to meet ICT requirements.

  • Support production bring-up and debugging, including offshore tester platform bring-up involving ICT, BSI, FCT universal testers, and more.

  • Coordinate test fixtures and platform automation with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and global teams.

  • Develop procedures, documentation, and provide technical support as needed.

What you need to see:

  • Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, or related fields.

  • At least 5 years of experience in ICT programming, fixture design/manufacturing, and factory testing.

  • Strong understanding of ICT development, hardware design, board debugging, and structural testing.

  • Solid knowledge of board manufacturing processes, PCB/fixture design, and proven program management capability.

  • Excellent communication, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

  • Strong team collaboration and analytical abilities with effective work habits.

  • Self-starter able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.

  • This position is 100% on-site based at either our Dallas or Houston Contract Manufacturing (CM) facility. Candidates must be able to work full-time on-site at one of these locations (this role does not offer remote or hybrid arrangements).

We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, and are widely recognized as one of the most desirable employers in the technology industry. With rapid growth, our teams continue to expand. We are looking for creative, self-driven individuals with a passion for technology to join us and help shape the future of computing.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 132,000 USD - 207,000 USD for Level 3, and 152,000 USD - 253,000 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 15, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US