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Vehicle Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TRC Inc

Test Engineer 1

Surprise, AZ · On-site

Demonstrated experience managing vehicle test programs preferred * Demonstrated experience with system engineering principles such as defining requirements and formal verification and validation ...

Vast

Fluids Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Develop clear and robust test plans for on-vehicle checkouts, fluids, instrumentation, and high ... Mentor engineers and technicians on the team. Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in ...

Pow.bio

Vehicle Test Software Team Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

... engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153 ... Team Lead, Vehicle Test Team As the Team Lead of the Vehicle Test team, you will build and manage ...

Kett Engineering

Vehicle Test Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24/hr

Our Engineering Quality team is growing, and we are looking for Vehicle Operators . In this role, you will be responsible for operating, driving, troubleshooting and evaluating our prototype test ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Coordinate closely with vehicle engineering teams to define test and data requirements and help identify system safety or operational concerns. * Manage and communicate test-specific vehicle ...

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How much do vehicle test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle 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 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.

More about Vehicle Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Vehicle Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Vehicle Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Vehicle Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Vehicle Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Test Engineer jobs are:
Vehicle Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Test Engineer 1

TRC Inc

Surprise, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

TRC Companies rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Purpose
Test Engineer shall be responsible for the evaluation of systems and or features, as well as developing and maintaining evaluation methods. Test Engineer shall manage and execute test programs, analyze and interpret results, communicate results and findings. Test Engineer shall also develop new test methods to improve the quality and scalability of those methods.
Essential Functions *
  • Learn customer test objectives, ensure test objectives are well defined, and communicate objectives to test teams
  • Design test plans and verification strategies based on system requirements and customers' needs
  • Identify missing or untestable requirements, gaps in design and incomplete implementation
  • Analyze data and interpret results
  • Debug and resolve test-related failures and contribute to the root cause analysis of system-related failures
  • Manage project priorities, define tasks, and coordinate activities, deliverables, schedules
  • Develop novel approaches to evaluate the system
  • Develop and improve processes that increase operational efficiency of test execution
  • Communicate results and test status and provide concise test reports
  • Provide technical guidance to the test team
  • Apply policies, procedures, standards, code of conduct throughout including taking responsibility for the safety of self and others during testing
  • Communicate test plans, proposals, non-conformances, and project status to internal and external customers

* TRC Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and is willing to make a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job.
*Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Other Duties and Responsibilities (Non-Essential Functions)
  • Manage project budgets
  • Make independent and competent technical decisions
  • Present proposals and report test results before customer representatives
  • Attend professional society and technical committee meetings
  • Write technical reports
  • Accomplish technical projects with little supervision
  • Manage and monitor the progress and budget of multiple projects
  • Write final reports with little to no supervision
  • Support TRC Inc.'s Quality and EH&S (Environmental, Health, and Safety) efforts
  • Improve the quality and coverage of the verification of a system
  • Build new processes that improve organization, traceability and clarity
  • Develop new tools that improve the repeatability, efficiency or completeness of testing (e.g. building automation scripts to reduce schedule time and human resources in particular for recurring tests)
  • Create new test frameworks and capabilities, including simulation based, hardware in the loop, or other methods
  • Understanding CAN, Flexray Networks or Communication Protocols
  • Identify missing or untestable requirements, gaps in design and incomplete implementation
  • Build dashboards and other visualizations within existing toolsets to make it easier for all stakeholders to interpret test results.
  • Support development and execution of training for test team

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering is required
  • 2+ years technical testing and system validation experience or other equivalent technical experience preferred
  • Demonstrated experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation
  • Demonstrated experience managing vehicle test programs preferred
  • Demonstrated experience with system engineering principles such as defining requirements and formal verification and validation methods
  • Test scripting understanding/execution for in-vehicle test automation (including C/C++, Python, Matlab/Simulink)
  • In-depth knowledge of vehicle systems and subsystems
  • Strong problem-solving capabilities, good attention to detail, organization skills and ability to think systemically
  • Excellent written & verbal communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate technical information concisely and effectively
  • In-depth knowledge of computers including work processing and data analysis software
  • Proficient in technical report writing
  • Advanced project management skills preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced, changing environment
  • Flexibility with work hours during busy test periods. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed - including AM and PM shifts.
  • Travel to off-site customers and testing sites (< 20%) is required
  • Ability to complete and pass all internal, position specific job and safety trainings required
  • Valid state DMV issued or valid foreign country issued driver's license

Working conditions
  • Standard office, climate controlled environment
  • Some travel is required
  • May be exposed to temperatures below 0 degree and above 95 degrees
  • May be exposed to inclement weather
  • May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as gas, oil, and paint

Physical requirements
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
  • Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
  • Ability to communicate with customers and co-workers
  • Capable of positioning oneself into bending, stretching, climbing, or awkward positions

Disclaimer
It is the policy of TRC Inc. to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment practices, without regard to race, color, caste, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, medical leave or other types of protected leave (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

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