Simulation Test Engineer

Job Title: Simulation Test Engineer Job Description
The Simulation Test Engineer plays a key role in the Validation and Verification of autonomous vehicle software by translating engineering requirements into robust synthetic driving simulations. This position focuses on building and executing a comprehensive suite of scenarios to test and enhance AV system performance across various driving conditions and operational design domains. The engineer collaborates closely with Systems, Safety, Testing, and Autonomous Software teams, reports key findings, troubleshoots simulation issues, and helps identify system safety limits and functional gaps.
Responsibilities
- Create detailed synthetic driving simulations based on requirements and inputs from Systems, Safety, and Autonomous Software engineering teams.
- Add and configure custom observers within simulation tools to define and evaluate clear pass/fail criteria.
- Operate Applied Intuition Sim software and other simulation platforms to design, run, and manage test scenarios.
- Follow established procedures and techniques to ensure high-quality, consistent simulation standards.
- Report the results of completed simulations to the requesting teams, summarizing key findings, outcomes, and recommendations.
- Troubleshoot errors and execution issues in simulations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Collaborate with systems, safety, testing, and autonomy engineering teams to ensure simulations cover both common and rare driving scenarios and operational design domain elements.
- Support the identification of system safety limits and functional insufficiencies by analyzing simulation outcomes and edge cases.
- Continuously refine simulation workflows and scenarios to improve test coverage and system robustness.
Essential Skills
- Understanding of autonomous driving technology and its core components.
- Demonstrated experience with autonomous vehicle simulation platforms, including tools such as Applied Intuition Sim.
- Proficiency working in Linux environments, including use of the command-line interface.
- Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or data analysis in support of simulation activities.
- Familiarity with source control tools such as Git or similar platforms.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve issues in simulation creation and execution.
- Ability to define and configure simulation pass/fail criteria through custom observers and metrics.
- Effective communication skills for collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Comfort with continuously learning new software tools, simulation technologies, and workflows.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working with autonomous driving workflows and toolchains.
- Familiarity with Unreal Engine or similar 3D simulation and visualization technologies.
- Background in Simulation Test or similar validation and verification roles for complex software systems.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across systems, safety, testing, and autonomy engineering disciplines.
- Strong attention to detail when designing, executing, and reviewing simulation scenarios and results.
- Adaptability to evolving tools, processes, and requirements in a rapidly changing autonomous vehicle domain.
Work Environment
This role operates in a hybrid work environment aligned to the Eastern Time Zone (EST), with a Metro Detroit hybrid schedule strongly preferred. The position involves frequent collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams using Linux-based systems, autonomous vehicle simulation platforms such as Applied Intuition Sim, and supporting tools like Git and Unreal Engine. Work is primarily computer- and software-focused in a professional office or remote-office setting, with regular virtual and in-person meetings to review simulation results, discuss safety implications, and refine test coverage.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Ann Arbor,MI. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
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shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
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