Simulation Test Engineer

ALTEN Technology USA•Ann Arbor, MI

About The Position

We are seeking a Simulation & Scenario Engineer to support Level 3 and Level 4 automated driving development through scenario-based validation and virtual testing. This role focuses on designing, building, and executing complex driving scenarios from scratch in simulation environments, with a strong emphasis on safety, robustness, and edge-case handling. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in ADAS or autonomous driving simulation and understands system behavior in complex, safety-critical environments.

Requirements

BS or MS Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Automotive Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent.
3+ years (Level 3 focus) or 5+ years (Level 4 focus) in ADAS or autonomous driving environments.
Proven experience creating simulation scenarios from scratch (not limited to log replay).
Strong exposure to scenario-based validation and system behavior evaluation.
Experience working within defined ODDs (Operational Design Domains).
Safety-related experience (simulation validation, safety analysis, system behavior modeling).
Strong Python development experience in Linux environment (CLI-based workflows).
Hands-on experience with simulation tools such as: Applied Intuition, MATLAB / Simulink, CARLA, LGSVL Simulator, Or equivalent platforms.
Experience building simulation scenarios from scratch.
Strong exposure to ADAS or autonomous driving systems.
Solid Python scripting experience.
Comfortable working in Linux and command-line environments.
Experience configuring and controlling simulation agents programmatically.
Understanding of vehicle behavior in safety-critical and complex environments.
Ability to debug and modify simulation models and scripts.
Experience collaborating in cross-functional engineering teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Level 3 takeover/fallback validation.
Experience in Level 4 urban autonomy or robotaxi programs.
Exposure to edge-case generation and scenario explosion methodologies.
Knowledge of ISO 26262 or automotive safety processes.
Experience with perception, planning, or sensor fusion validation.
Experience in large-scale simulation automation pipelines.
Experience working in global or multicultural teams.
Ability to mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

Design and build autonomous driving simulation scenarios from scratch.
Recreate real-world traffic situations across different environments (urban, semi-urban, highway).
Configure and control dynamic agents (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, traffic actors) programmatically.
Develop, modify, and maintain Python scripts to generate and execute simulation pipelines.
Execute simulations via command-line interfaces and manage configurations.
Assess system behavior with strong focus on: Safety, Robustness, Edge-case handling, Fallback / takeover logic (Level 3), Full autonomy behavior (Level 4).
Identify unrealistic, unsafe, or inconsistent behaviors and support corrective improvements.
Support validation, verification, and safety compliance activities (e.g., ISO 26262 awareness).
Collaborate cross-functionally with perception, planning, controls, and safety teams.
Document simulation assumptions, configurations, and validation results.