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Vehicle Test Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

American Rheinmetall

Test Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

... vehicles. * Experience operating a test lab environment and ensuring all instrumentation is operational and calibrated. * Experience diagnosing and fixing electrical components and wiring used in ...

Kett Engineering

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Vehicle Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Responsibilities and Duties MUST BE ABLE TO TRAVEL OUT OF STATE & BE AWAY FROM HOME 8-12 WEEKS AT A TIME FOR TEST TRIPS Operate prototype-level ADAS Vehicles on both defined and undefined routes ...

Kett Engineering

Vehicle Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$18/hr

Ensure the safe operation of our test vehicles on public roads. The position requires travel. Drivers will have no issues with being on a plane, in a hotel, driving a rental car in a city you are not ...

Amentum

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

Configuring/Operating/Programming Lynx site automation systems and supplemental site controls and I ... Battery laboratory test experience preferred * An understanding of vehicle powertrain, power supply ...

Pae

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI

Configuring/Operating/Programming Lynx site automation systems and supplemental site controls and I ... Battery laboratory test experience preferred * An understanding of vehicle powertrain, power supply ...

Amtec Enterprise - 4

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Senior Software Integration Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$55 - $62.95/hr

... onto Linux Operating Systems, scripting, networking, cybersecurity hardening and scans ... Collaborates with multidisciplinary engineering and vehicle test teams to investigate reported ...

Amtec Enterprise - 4

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Software Integration Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$40 - $51.50/hr

... onto Linux Operating Systems, scripting, networking, cybersecurity hardening and scans ... Collaborates with multidisciplinary engineering and vehicle test teams to investigate reported ...

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All JobsVehicle Test Operator JobsVehicle Test Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI

Vehicle Test Operator information

See Detroit, MI salary details

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$29

How much do vehicle test operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle test operator in Detroit, MI is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vehicle test operator?

Vehicle Test Operators are professionals responsible for testing vehicles, often under real-world or controlled conditions, to ensure they meet safety, performance, and quality standards. They may drive vehicles on test tracks or public roads, monitor systems, and collect data for engineers. Their work helps manufacturers identify issues and improve vehicle designs before mass production. Vehicle Test Operators play a critical role in the automotive development process, especially for new technologies like autonomous vehicles and electric cars.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Test Operator, you need a valid driver’s license, a solid understanding of vehicle mechanics, and strong attention to safety protocols. Familiarity with data logging systems, diagnostic tools, and sometimes proprietary autonomous vehicle software is often required. Excellent observational skills, clear communication, and the ability to work independently make candidates stand out in this position. These skills and qualities ensure accurate vehicle testing, uphold safety standards, and support effective collaboration in the development process.

What are some common challenges faced by vehicle test operators during on-road testing, and how can they be managed?

Vehicle Test Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable road conditions, adapting to rapidly changing test protocols, and ensuring accurate data collection while maintaining safety standards. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-test planning, clear communication with engineering teams, and staying attentive to both the vehicle's behavior and the surrounding environment. Operators must also be comfortable with technology, as many tests involve advanced driver-assist or autonomous systems that require quick troubleshooting and feedback.

What is the difference between Vehicle Test Operator vs Vehicle Inspector?

AspectVehicle Test OperatorVehicle Inspector
Required CertificationsDriver's license, safety trainingVehicle inspection certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentTest tracks, laboratories, testing facilitiesInspection stations, repair shops, testing sites
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive testing companies, manufacturersGovernment agencies, automotive service centers
Common Search & ComparisonVehicle Test OperatorVehicle Inspector

Both roles involve working with vehicles in testing or inspection environments. Vehicle Test Operators focus on conducting tests on vehicles to assess performance and safety, often requiring driving and safety certifications. Vehicle Inspectors primarily evaluate vehicle conditions for compliance and safety standards, often in inspection stations. While their environments and certifications overlap, their core responsibilities differ: testing vs. inspection.

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Vehicle Test Operator jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Vehicle Test Operator job openings:

Vehicle Test Operator jobs near you

Test Engineer

American Rheinmetall

Auburn Hills, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.
Job Summary:
The Test Engineer is a key role within the Product Integration amp; Test team, under the Engineering directorate, focused on ensuring that internal testing and U.S. Government testing of American Rheinmetall (AR) products is safe, on schedule, and exceeds the customer’s expectation for quality.
Essential Functions:
  • Support the PI amp;T team by managing specification, selection, procurement, calibration, maintenance and retirement of test equipment.
  • Develop instrumentation lists to support data collection needs of internal customers.
  • Procure, check out and dry run instrumentation.
  • Reduce and analyze test data collected and document the results.
  • Provide input to engineering to support test data acquisition.
  • Assist in the development and standardization of test procedures and methodologies.
  • Lead and support both system, subsystem and component level trials.[KK1]
  • Write and assist others in the writing of test documentation (test plans, test procedures, test reports, test logs, etc.).
  • Support test activities in the field such as DAQ setup, data collection, and test site interface.
  • Assist the shipping of vehicles, parts and equipment between AR Sites, Test Sites, government facilities and supplier facilities.
  • Write and assist others in the writing of test incident reports, to include distribution, failure analyses, corrective action and management reports.
  • Install and monitor test instrumentation during testing of AR vehicles.
  • Support and adhere to all company security, safety and environmental regulations amp; policies.
  • Manage relationships with all stakeholders to ensure performance is optimized and be able to manage the political dimensions associated with a high-profile program.
  • Lead and mentor training for test engineers in data acquisition, instrumentation and data reduction.
  • Ability to work in a highly fluid environment.
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time. Occasional travel to Europe may be required.
Undertake other duties as determined by the Vehicle Test Manager or his/her delegate.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No
Minimum Qualifications:
Specific knowledge that can be determined objectively; suggested vocabulary below
  • Minimum 3 years of experience installing and recording data from recording devices, such as data loggers, accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, video cameras and other test instrumentation, preferably on DoD ground vehicles.
  • Experience operating a test lab environment and ensuring all instrumentation is operational and calibrated.
  • Experience diagnosing and fixing electrical components and wiring used in instrumentation and vehicles.
  • Experience with data acquisition software, such as DEWESoft, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and CANalyzer/CANoe.
  • Experience interfacing with instrumentation suppliers and calibrators.
  • Experience in simultaneously managing multiple vehicles/articles under test.
  • Proven experience in practical ‘hands on’ experience with the ability to operate independently.
  • Ability to present technical solutions to clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Proven experience in data reduction to formats that are usable by engineers for analysis.
  • Proven experience in balancing multiple stakeholders’ requirements to meet program objectives.
  • Knowledge of the US DoD process and procedures for vehicle development and procurement.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Military Standards and Regulations.
  • Experience with Excel, Word, PowerPoint is a must, MS Project is a plus.
  • Knowledge in Systems Engineering, preferably MBSE, and related standards/processes.
  • Experience coding/automating in common languages such as Python, MATLAB or C++
Education amp; Experience
  • BSc in Engineering (Electrical/Computer Engr preferred)
Background Prerequisites:
Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • MSc in Engineering (Electrical/Computer Engr preferred), + desired
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
With or without reasonable accommodation requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:
  • For physical requirements, indicate Rarely, Occasionally, Frequently, or Continuously where possible
    • Rarely: exists, but not on a regular basis
    • Occasionally: lt;33% of the time (just over 2.5 hrs/day)
    • Frequently: gt;34% but less than 66% of the time (2.72 – 5.28 hrs)
    • Continuously: 67-100% of the time (5.36 – 8 hrs)
    • Highly repetitive: repeating the same motion every few seconds with little or no variation for gt;2 hrs total/day)
  • Hazards, tasks, PPE, ergonomic concerns, travel requirements, workspace (close proximity to others)
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
[KK1]Should we perhaps use the word “tests” here? Trials has a different connotation in my mind.

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