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Vehicle Test Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

You will work closely with hardware in the loop (HIL) and vehicle test teams, Integrated Product ... In-depth knowledge of real-time operating systems and embedded control systems, including APIs ...

New

We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture ... Support integration and checkout of flight avionics, hardware, operator consoles, and test ...

Manufacturing Engineer III

Kent, WA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

As a small, agile team operating at the intersection of innovation and manufacturability, we work ... and Test (AI&T) activities, establishing manufacturing plans for vehicle architectures and ...

Manufacturing Engineer III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

As a small, agile team operating at the intersection of innovation and manufacturability, we work ... and Test (AI&T) activities, establishing manufacturing plans for vehicle architectures and ...

... vehicle stages at high cadence. You will define the test philosophy for the program-what to test ... Direct experience designing, building, or operating rocket propulsion test stands (engine or stage ...

Showing results 41-60

Vehicle Test Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$9

$23

$34

How much do vehicle test operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle test operator in Seattle, WA is $23.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $24.62 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.

Infographic showing various Vehicle Test Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,849 per year, or $23 per hour.

Testbed Validation Engineer - Blue Ring

Blue Origin

Seattle, WA • On-site

$121K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety and collaboration Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

As part of a passionate and dedicated team of experts, you will be responsible for the validation of critical testbeds for the Blue Ring program. The Validation Engineer will ensure that our test environments-from Software-in-the-Loop to full Hardware-in-the-Loop-are truly representative of flight vehicle behavior, guaranteeing the highest level of confidence in our systems before they fly.

You will be a hands-on engineer, directly shaping and executing the validation strategy for Blue Ring's integrated test labs. You will work across a multi-layered validation process, starting with simulation models, moving through subsystem interactions, and culminating in full-system, flight-representative testing. Your work will be the final check that confirms our testbeds precisely match the responses of our flight hardware.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the validation and verification (V&V) of a vast suite of test environments, including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems.

  • Validate simulation models against Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure accurate system representation.

  • Compare results from vehicle test campaigns across various testbeds.

  • Design and run comprehensive test cases that simulate Blue Ring mission scenarios.

  • Automate test execution, data collection, and analysis to improve the efficiency and reliability of the validation process.

  • Collaborate with systems, software, and hardware design teams to resolve discrepancies and drive improvements in both the testbeds and the flight system.

  • Document validation plans, test procedures, and test results, and present findings to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

  • 5+ years of experience in system-level validation, integration, or testing of complex hardware/software systems.

  • Demonstrated experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and/or Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) test environments.

  • Hands-on experience with test execution and data analysis.

  • Strong understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle and V&V processes.

  • Ability to read and interpret system-level documentation, such as schematics, ICDs, and test plans.

  • Proficiency in a scripting language for test automation (e.g., Python).

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Qualifications:

  • Experience in the aerospace industry, particularly with launch vehicles or in-space systems.

  • Direct experience developing and running vehicle test campaigns or similar system checkouts.

  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and simulation frameworks.

  • Knowledge of common communication protocols (Ethernet, Spacewire, RS-422, MIL-STD-1553).


Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.


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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000