Technician - Advanced Safety R&D

Toyota North America; Saline (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Toyota North America is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented safety test technician to join the VME3 Barrier Lab team. You will operate in a fast-paced laboratory, support testing activities, and contribute to safer vehicle development through accurate data collection and collaboration with engineers and technicians.

You will help with post-test activities, vehicle setup, instrumentation support, high-speed camera operations, and lab readiness for future mobility initiatives, while emphasizing

Qualifications

• An associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent technical experience providing a strong foundation in automotive technology, electronics, mechanical systems, laboratory operations, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience supporting technical equipment, instrumentation, electronics, soldering activities, or laboratory operations where attention to detail is critical.
• Familiarity with measurement, scanning, inspection, or data acquisition tools such as DTS, FARO, PolyWorks, or similar technologies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills that enable you to work effectively with engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional teams.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to document findings, create reports, and support technical projects.
• Demonstrated ability to stay organized, manage multiple priorities, and consistently deliver high‑quality work in a safety‑focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Support post-test activities, including coordinating measurement, scanning, photography, documentation, and data collection to ensure accurate and timely delivery of test results.
• Contribute to crash testing by assisting with vehicle setup, teardown, instrumentation support, high-speed camera operations, and test preparation.
• Help prepare the laboratory for future mobility safety initiatives involving battery electric vehicles, advanced safety technologies, and autonomous vehicle development programs.
• Partner with engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional stakeholders to execute testing activities safely and efficiently, in line with project requirements.
• Develop, improve, and standardize work processes that enhance laboratory efficiency, consistency, quality, and productivity.
• Support digital transformation efforts by identifying opportunities to improve workflows, streamline processes, and modernize laboratory operations.
• Champion a culture of safety, workplace organization, and continuous improvement by applying Toyota principles and best practices daily.
• Assist in collecting, validating, organizing, and communicating technical data that supports vehicle development decisions.

Job description

Who we are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We're looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Overview

Who we are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We're looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Toyota does not offer support or sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this role now or in the future. You must have the right to work in the United States and not require Toyota support or sponsorship for immigration-related employment (e.g., H-1B, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, TN, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, 'job flexibility benefits' [also known as I-140 or Adjustment of Status portability], etc.) now or in the future. You should not apply for this role if you will require Toyota to assist with immigration support or sponsorship now or in the future.

What We Are Looking For

Toyota's VME3 Safety Test Evaluation Team plays a critical role in advancing vehicle safety by supporting the testing, evaluation, and development of current and future mobility technologies. The team partners closely with engineers and technicians to generate accurate, high-quality test data that helps shape safer vehicles for customers around the world.

We are seeking a hands‑on, detail-oriented technician who enjoys a fast‑paced laboratory environment, solves technical challenges, improves processes, and supports innovative safety programs. The ideal candidate is passionate about continuous improvement, embraces new technology, and thrives in a collaborative team environment. This role reports to the Barrier Lab Supervisor.

What You'll Be Doing

Success in this role means helping the team deliver accurate, reliable safety test results while driving continuous improvement across laboratory operations. Each day offers opportunities to work with advanced testing equipment, support future mobility initiatives, collaborate with engineering teams, and help develop safer vehicles.

• Support post-test activities, including coordinating measurement, scanning, photography, documentation, and data collection to ensure accurate and timely delivery of test results.
• Contribute to crash testing by assisting with vehicle setup, teardown, instrumentation support, high-speed camera operations, and test preparation.
• Help prepare the laboratory for future mobility safety initiatives involving battery electric vehicles, advanced safety technologies, and autonomous vehicle development programs.
• Partner with engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional stakeholders to execute testing activities safely and efficiently, in line with project requirements.
• Develop, improve, and standardize work processes that enhance laboratory efficiency, consistency, quality, and productivity.
• Support digital transformation efforts by identifying opportunities to improve workflows, streamline processes, and modernize laboratory operations.
• Champion a culture of safety, workplace organization, and continuous improvement by applying Toyota principles and best practices daily.
• Assist in collecting, validating, organizing, and communicating technical data that supports vehicle development decisions.

What You Bring

• An associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent technical experience providing a strong foundation in automotive technology, electronics, mechanical systems, laboratory operations, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience supporting technical equipment, instrumentation, electronics, soldering activities, or laboratory operations where attention to detail is critical.
• Familiarity with measurement, scanning, inspection, or data acquisition tools such as DTS, FARO, PolyWorks, or similar technologies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills that enable you to work effectively with engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional teams.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to document findings, create reports, and support technical projects.
• Demonstrated ability to stay organized, manage multiple priorities, and consistently deliver high‑quality work in a safety‑focused environment.

Added Bonus If You Have

• Additional experience supporting vehicle safety, crashworthiness, or laboratory testing programs.
• Advanced Toyota high-voltage or lithium-ion battery training that enables faster contributions to future mobility initiatives.
• Strong automotive mechanical aptitude with demonstrated hands‑on technical troubleshooting experience.
• Experience collecting, validating, analyzing, and presenting technical data to support engineering decisions.
• Advanced knowledge of computer systems, software applications, and digital tools used within testing environments.
• Four or more years of experience supporting vehicle or component safety testing across static and dynamic evaluation activities.

What We’ll Bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry‑leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement.
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount.
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable).
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family.
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute (if applicable).
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools, and more.
• Tax-advantaged accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA).
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.