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Vehicle Test Operator Jobs in Novi, 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

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 ...

Pae

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Amentum

Vehicle Battery Test Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Technical Professionals Group

Test Driver

Saline, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

The TPG Driver (L3) is responsible for safely operating test vehicles across multiple locations in Southwest Michigan to replicate and understand customer experiences in specific environments. This ...

Technical Professionals Group

Test Driver

Saline, MI

$14.50 - $18/hr

The TPG Driver (L3) is responsible for safely operating test vehicles across multiple locations in Southwest Michigan to replicate and understand customer experiences in specific environments. This ...

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

Vehicle Test Operator information

See Novi, MI salary details

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How much do vehicle test operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle test operator in Novi, MI is $18.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $20.29 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 Novi, MI are hiring for Vehicle Test Operator jobs?

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

Vehicle Test Operator jobs near you

Engineer, Whole Vehicle Test Requirements and Validation - Propulsion

Scout Motors

Novi, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again.
But Scout is more than just a brand, it's a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.
The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn't been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements - an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.
At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion.
Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!
What you'll do
Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:
  • Own whole-vehicle validation definition and execution for propulsion-driven vehicle attributes, including drivability, performance, efficiency, charging, thermal performance, and vehicle capability across real-world customer use cases.
  • Define and develop validation strategies for limit operating conditions, including edge and corner cases that drive propulsion system design requirements, such as power delivery, thermal management, durability, energy consumption, and operating strategies.
  • Establish key validation routes, duty cycles, and environmental conditions that represent worst-case and boundary operating scenarios, providing critical input to propulsion system sizing, battery performance, thermal systems, and vehicle operating strategies.
  • Act as the source of truth for real-world vehicle loads, environmental conditions, and customer usage profiles, ensuring engineering teams have accurate physical inputs for propulsion system and vehicle-level design.
  • Support cross-functional validation alignment across Propulsion, Chassis, Thermal, Controls, Software, Electrical, Vehicle Integration, and Manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive whole-vehicle performance.
  • Develop and manage vehicle-level test cases covering propulsion behavior, drive modes, acceleration, regenerative braking, charging, towing, payload, gradability, off-road capability, and interactions with braking, traction, stability, and ride & handling systems.
  • Translate propulsion functional requirements and vehicle capability targets into executable test procedures, instrumentation strategies, and validation plans at the whole-vehicle level.
  • Ensure propulsion systems perform seamlessly alongside chassis, thermal, electrical, and software interfaces to validate overall vehicle behavior across on-road, towing, off-road, charging, and extreme environmental conditions.
  • Lead and coordinate vehicle-level validation campaigns at proving grounds, public roads, and hot/cold climate locations, evaluating propulsion performance across diverse customer usage profiles and durability routes.
  • Translate customer use cases-including daily commuting, towing, payload hauling, off-road recreation, mountain driving, fast charging, and long-distance travel-into validation scenarios with measurable acceptance criteria.
  • Define and validate key vehicle-level attributes including drivability, torque delivery, energy efficiency, thermal robustness, charging performance, towing capability, off-road performance, and overall propulsion system integration.
  • Drive test execution and data collection, including route development, vehicle preparation, instrumentation planning, data acquisition, and environmental conditioning using vehicle CAN, GPS, thermal instrumentation, pressure, force, and specialized data logging systems.
  • Ensure robust traceability from system requirements through validation plans, test cases, execution, and results using lifecycle management tools such as Codebeamer, Jama, or Jira.
  • Collaborate across Propulsion, Chassis, Controls, Thermal, Electrical, Software, and Vehicle Integration teams to analyze test data, identify performance gaps, perform root-cause investigations, and resolve cross-functional issues.
  • Document validation results, benchmark competitive vehicle performance, and provide data-driven recommendations to support vehicle readiness, program milestones, and release decisions.

Location & Travel Expectations:
  • This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
  • This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.
  • Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
What you'll bring
We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You'll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You'll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • At least 4+ years of experience in whole vehicle validation, full-performance testing, and vehicle-level verification testing.
  • Hands-on experience using CANoe, INCA, and validation-related instrumentation equipment to capture, log, and parse vehicle network and sensor data.
  • Experience defining whole vehicle test plans (DVP), executing physical or vehicle tests, and tracking build/software changes across vehicle fleets.
  • Working knowledge of Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and product tracking tools (such as Jama, Polarion, DOORS, MagicDraw, or Codebeamer).
  • Solid understanding of whole vehicle development phases and products tailored to automotive-specific safety standards, with a focus on enhancing delivery quality, security, and developer experience.
  • Experience testing complete vehicle systems to meet automotive-grade standards and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
  • Proven ability to work in a truly cross-functional and global environment to align full-vehicle targets.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including ownership, self-motivation, problem-solving, analytical thinking, teamwork, innovation, creativity, and effective communication abilities.You should be able to develop and thrive in working relationships.
What you'll gain
The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up. This is a chance to create something new and lasting - with an iconic brand at its foundation. In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:
  • Competitive insurance including:
    • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
  • 401(k) program with:
    • An employer match and immediate vesting
  • Generous Paid Time Off including:
    • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
    • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
    • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
    • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
Pay Transparency
This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.
Initial base salary range = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00
Internal leveling code: IC9
Notice to applicants:
  • To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
  • Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
  • Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity
Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.

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