Crash Test Technician: Build, Instrumentation & Teardown

Actalent; Ypsilanti (MI); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Ypsilanti, MI is seeking a Build/Strip Crash Test Technician to support the Vehicle Safety Test Team. You will prepare vehicles for crash tests, install instrumentation, assist with test execution, and perform post-test teardown.

This hands-on role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work across multiple crash programs. You will document setups, modify components, and collaborate with engineers in a fast-paced automotive R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Review test plans with engineers to understand pre-test requirements.
• Prepare vehicles for crash testing and record specs.
• Apply test markings, targets, paint, and tape per procedures.
• Modify prototype components and restraint systems for test configs.
• Perform measurements using a CMM to verify dimensions.
• Install instrumentation and route sensor wiring for tests.
• Document installation details in designated databases.
• Remove and reinstall interior/exterior trim for instrumentation setup.
• Conduct post-test teardown and assess vehicle condition.
• Maintain accurate documentation of vehicle modifications and tests.
• Order parts and maintain shop tools to support testing.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians on test plans.

Responsibilities

• Review test plans with engineers to clearly 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.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Fabrication skills

Electrical skills

Welding

Soldering

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

3D Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Actalent in Ypsilanti, MI is seeking a Build/Strip Crash Test Technician to support the Vehicle Safety Test Team. You will prepare vehicles for crash tests, install instrumentation, assist with test execution, and perform post-test teardown.

This hands-on role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work across multiple crash programs. You will document setups, modify components, and collaborate with engineers in a fast-paced automotive R&D environment.