Crash Testing Technician

About the role

This hands-on role supports the Vehicle Safety Test Team by preparing vehicles for crash tests, installing instrumentation, assisting with test execution, and performing detailed post-test teardown and documentation. The position focuses on physical crash testing and passive safety development, requiring strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and flexibility to work across various vehicle safety testing programs.

Responsibilities

• Review test plans with engineers to understand pre-test requirements, test objectives, and post-test evaluation criteria.
• Prepare vehicles for crash testing by recording vehicle specifications and test-related fluids, replacing fluids with approved non-flammable substitutes, and ballasting vehicles to achieve target test weights.
• Apply test markings, targets, paint, and tape to vehicles in accordance with test procedures and safety standards.
• Modify prototype vehicle components and restraint systems to meet specific test configurations and safety development needs.
• Perform precise measurements using a 3D Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) to verify vehicle dimensions and test setups.
• Install crash test instrumentation, including accelerometers, pressure sensors, voltage and current monitoring equipment, and associated sensor wiring and cable routing.
• Document all instrumentation installation details, including locations, routing, and configuration, in designated database systems.
• Remove and reinstall interior and exterior vehicle trim as required to support instrumentation setup and test preparation.
• Conduct post-test teardown activities by carefully removing instrumentation and assessing vehicle condition.
• Perform structural inspections of tested vehicles, including door and pillar skinning, to support safety analysis and data collection.
• Remove interior trim, fuel tanks, and related components after testing to facilitate detailed inspection and evaluation.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all vehicle modifications, instrumentation changes, and test-related work in database systems.
• Order parts, tools, and equipment as needed to support ongoing crash testing and vehicle safety programs.
• Maintain shop tools and equipment, and promote a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and fellow technicians to plan, execute, and support vehicle safety testing programs.
• Support multiple vehicle programs and testing schedules in a fast-paced automotive research and development environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–3 years of experience in automotive technician work, vehicle testing, or engineering support.
• Experience with vehicle teardown and reassembly in a shop or laboratory setting.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with basic vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Hands-on fabrication skills, including welding, cutting, and confident use of common shop tools.
• Basic electrical skills, including wiring and soldering for vehicle instrumentation and modifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for documentation and reporting.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with engineers and other technicians.
• Solid documentation skills to accurately record vehicle configurations, instrumentation setups, and test activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Automotive Technology or a related technical field.
• Experience in automotive safety testing, crash testing, or vehicle development environments.
• Experience working with prototype vehicles and modifying restraint systems for test purposes.
• Familiarity with 3D Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMM) and related measurement software.
• Experience supporting research and development, validation, or laboratory-based testing programs.
• Interest in vehicle safety systems, crashworthiness, and passive safety development.
• Ability to adapt to evolving test procedures, new technologies, and changing program priorities.
• Motivation to build a long-term career in automotive research and development.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hands-on, shop and laboratory-based environment focused on crash testing and vehicle safety development. The role involves frequent vehicle disassembly, fabrication work, and instrumentation installation on both prototype and production vehicles. Team members work closely with experienced engineers and technicians in a collaborative setting that values communication, safety, and precision. The work requires regular standing, lifting, bending, and performing mechanical tasks on vehicles, often in a fast-paced automotive R&D environment supporting multiple vehicle programs and testing schedules. Employees gain exposure to advanced test instrumentation, measurement systems, and cutting-edge vehicle safety technologies, along with opportunities to develop broad technical experience in automotive testing, fabrication, diagnostics, and safety analysis.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $27.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on factors including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, and internal equity.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• Short and long-term disability.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Ypsilanti, MI.