Senior Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Senior Test Engineer jobs in Michigan are consistently active, with demand concentrated in automotive systems validation, defense electronics, and advanced manufacturing quality assurance across experience levels from associate test engineer through principal. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids are the largest hiring hubs, anchored by employers such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and L3Harris Technologies, which maintain long-term engineering operations throughout the state. The most sought-after specialties include hardware-in-the-loop testing, embedded systems validation, and automated test framework development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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In this role, you will define comprehensive validation initiatives, oversee Design Verification Plan (DVP) creation and execution, manage external test facility partnerships, and collaborate cross-functionally across engineering, program management, and homologation teams. Extensive experience in vehicle safety, crashworthiness, and structural performance, with a strong understanding of global regulatory and consumer safety standards (FMVSS, UNECE, US NCAP, Euro NCAP, IIHS) is a must.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in cross-functional strategy development to advance Rivian’s overall Vehicle Safety Engineering test and validation vision.
- Define, establish, and optimize vehicle- and component-level testing programs to validate performance against internal targets, global standards, and regulatory requirements (FMVSS, UNECE, Euro NCAP, etc.).
- Oversee program Design Verification Plan (DVP) development, execution, and milestone tracking.
- Influence internal and external functional groups, program management, and homologation teams to achieve seamless system- and vehicle-level validation execution.
- Develop strategic partnerships with test labs, research institutions, and key vendors. Plan assets, capacity, timelines, budget, and equipment investments to ensure the function delivers against all commitments.
- Represent Rivian in technical regulatory discussions and vehicle rating/performance evaluations for the validation approach.
- Establish and maintain clear, systematic, and documented internal standards, procedures, and stakeholder instructions to ensure repeatably consistent execution across all test events.
- Implement robust knowledge transfer processes and cover plans so critical operations are never dependent on a single individual.
- Oversee critical test setup, execution, and post-test assessment checkpoints. Ensure named, accountable owners complete pre- and post-test checks and that all required equipment, instructions, and information are verified prior to execution.
- Maintain systems of control that prevent critical steps or procedural checks from being omitted.
- Ensure key decisions, stakeholder agreements, and procedure changes are documented in writing prior to execution. Provide complete, high-quality, and timely test data, reports, and management updates.
- Ensure all work executed meets quality, timing, and completeness standards. Remain accountable for setting up, directing, and checking the team's output.
- Set clear expectations, provide regular performance feedback, and mentor team members.
- Proactively identify and surface technical, operational, or timing risks before they impact test outcomes. Escalate unmitigated risks with clear impact assessments and proposed solutions.
- Manage external partners and contracts in compliance with Rivian procurement policies.
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in vehicle safety, crashworthiness, and structural performance, with a strong understanding of global regulatory and consumer safety standards (FMVSS, UNECE, US NCAP, Euro NCAP, IIHS).
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering technical excellence and career growth.
- Strong expertise in CAE methodologies, crash test planning, and vehicle safety validation.
- Deep understanding of vehicle structures, materials, and crash management strategies in crash scenarios.
- Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional collaboration, effectively influencing decisions across engineering, and program teams.
- Strong project management skills, with experience in tracking deliverables, mitigating risks, and aligning resources.
- Ability to champion strategic change, proactively identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements and enhanced safety methodologies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of presenting technical findings and influencing leadership decisions.
Personal Attributes:
- Extensive experience in vehicle-level or complex multi-system test and validation engineering, global compliance, and physical testing methodologies.
- Proven ability to mobilize cross-functional engineering teams and drive technical alignment without direct authority.
- Ability to operate independently, making high-impact decisions to optimize validation timelines and performance outcomes.
- Establishes rigorous tracking systems to drive continuous improvement in test efficiency, data quality, and compliance validation.
- Champions bold testing and validation methodologies even when they challenge conventional perspectives, maintaining strong collaborative relationships across functions.
- Ability and willingness to travel to vehicle test locations, test tracks, and external supplier facilities as required.
In this role, you will define comprehensive validation initiatives, oversee Design Verification Plan (DVP) creation and execution, manage external test facility partnerships, and collaborate cross-functionally across engineering, program management, and homologation teams. Extensive experience in vehicle safety, crashworthiness, and structural performance, with a strong understanding of global regulatory and consumer safety standards (FMVSS, UNECE, US NCAP, Euro NCAP, IIHS) is a must.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in cross-functional strategy development to advance Rivian’s overall Vehicle Safety Engineering test and validation vision.
- Define, establish, and optimize vehicle- and component-level testing programs to validate performance against internal targets, global standards, and regulatory requirements (FMVSS, UNECE, Euro NCAP, etc.).
- Oversee program Design Verification Plan (DVP) development, execution, and milestone tracking.
- Influence internal and external functional groups, program management, and homologation teams to achieve seamless system- and vehicle-level validation execution.
- Develop strategic partnerships with test labs, research institutions, and key vendors. Plan assets, capacity, timelines, budget, and equipment investments to ensure the function delivers against all commitments.
- Represent Rivian in technical regulatory discussions and vehicle rating/performance evaluations for the validation approach.
- Establish and maintain clear, systematic, and documented internal standards, procedures, and stakeholder instructions to ensure repeatably consistent execution across all test events.
- Implement robust knowledge transfer processes and cover plans so critical operations are never dependent on a single individual.
- Oversee critical test setup, execution, and post-test assessment checkpoints. Ensure named, accountable owners complete pre- and post-test checks and that all required equipment, instructions, and information are verified prior to execution.
- Maintain systems of control that prevent critical steps or procedural checks from being omitted.
- Ensure key decisions, stakeholder agreements, and procedure changes are documented in writing prior to execution. Provide complete, high-quality, and timely test data, reports, and management updates.
- Ensure all work executed meets quality, timing, and completeness standards. Remain accountable for setting up, directing, and checking the team's output.
- Set clear expectations, provide regular performance feedback, and mentor team members.
- Proactively identify and surface technical, operational, or timing risks before they impact test outcomes. Escalate unmitigated risks with clear impact assessments and proposed solutions.
- Manage external partners and contracts in compliance with Rivian procurement policies.
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in vehicle safety, crashworthiness, and structural performance, with a strong understanding of global regulatory and consumer safety standards (FMVSS, UNECE, US NCAP, Euro NCAP, IIHS).
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering technical excellence and career growth.
- Strong expertise in CAE methodologies, crash test planning, and vehicle safety validation.
- Deep understanding of vehicle structures, materials, and crash management strategies in crash scenarios.
- Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional collaboration, effectively influencing decisions across engineering, and program teams.
- Strong project management skills, with experience in tracking deliverables, mitigating risks, and aligning resources.
- Ability to champion strategic change, proactively identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements and enhanced safety methodologies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of presenting technical findings and influencing leadership decisions.
Personal Attributes:
- Extensive experience in vehicle-level or complex multi-system test and validation engineering, global compliance, and physical testing methodologies.
- Proven ability to mobilize cross-functional engineering teams and drive technical alignment without direct authority.
- Ability to operate independently, making high-impact decisions to optimize validation timelines and performance outcomes.
- Establishes rigorous tracking systems to drive continuous improvement in test efficiency, data quality, and compliance validation.
- Champions bold testing and validation methodologies even when they challenge conventional perspectives, maintaining strong collaborative relationships across functions.
- Ability and willingness to travel to vehicle test locations, test tracks, and external supplier facilities as required.
See All 8 Senior Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Test Engineer JobsSenior Test Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Test Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior test engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Five or more years of experience designing and executing validation or verification test plans
- Hands-on expertise with automated test equipment and scripting languages such as Python or LabVIEW
- Proven experience in hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop testing environments
- Familiarity with automotive or defense quality standards including ISO 26262 or MIL-STD-461
- Strong written communication skills for technical documentation, test reports, and cross-team collaboration
Senior Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior test engineer in Michigan?
The path to senior test engineer in Michigan typically starts with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering from a Michigan institution such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, or Michigan Technological University. No state-issued engineering license is required for most test engineering roles, though a Professional Engineer registration through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs strengthens candidates pursuing senior-level or government-contract positions. Most employers expect several years of hands-on validation or verification experience before promoting or hiring at the senior level.
Which companies hire senior test engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring senior test engineers in Michigan right now include Rivian, POWERX, and DCS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep automotive and defense industrial base means hiring is especially consistent at Tier 1 suppliers, national laboratories, and aerospace contractors with Michigan facilities.
Which Michigan cities have the most senior test engineer jobs?
Plymouth, Wixom, and Livonia have the most senior test engineer openings in Michigan. The Detroit metro leads because of the concentration of automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers headquartered there, while Ann Arbor draws openings tied to university research partnerships and mobility technology companies, and Grand Rapids supports demand through its growing advanced manufacturing and medical device sectors.
Are there remote senior test engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely software-focused fields, since senior test engineers frequently work with physical hardware, lab equipment, and on-site test rigs that require an in-person presence. About 50% of senior test engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote arrangements most often found in test automation development, requirements analysis, and software-side validation work that does not depend on physical lab access.
How can I get hired as a senior test engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a test engineering technician or associate engineer role, which large Michigan employers such as General Motors, Ford, and defense contractors regularly fill through new-graduate programs and rotational engineering tracks. Candidates who complete co-op placements at Michigan automotive or aerospace companies gain the bench time that accelerates promotion to senior levels. Building proficiency in LabVIEW, Python, or dSPACE tools and earning a Certified Test Engineer credential from the American Society for Quality makes a candidate competitive against applicants with more direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to senior test engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to senior test engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across automotive, defense, and manufacturing employers. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 8 Senior Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Test Engineer Jobs