Contract Autonomous Vehicle Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

As a Software Quality Engineer working in a systems engineering capacity, you will leverage a deep understanding of autonomous driving systems to lead high-impact, cross-functional engineering initiatives. Your mission is to close the loop between real-world performance and system design by extracting insights from field data, refining requirements, and expanding simulation and testing coverage. In this role, you will help bridge the gap between design intent and real-world execution, driving continuous optimization of system performance to deliver a predictable and reliable autonomous driving experience.

• Support safety risk assessments for complex driving maneuvers to ensure functional safety goals are met and system behavior remains robust in challenging scenarios.
• Drive continuous improvements in simulation and test coverage by mapping real-world incidents and field performance data to system requirements.
• Translate edge cases and real-world issues into reproducible virtual and physical test suites that can be executed consistently across platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop system-level concepts and architectures for critical autonomous vehicle features.
• Define, document, and maintain system and subsystem requirements, ensuring full traceability from stakeholder needs through to technical implementation and verification.
• Perform data analysis on large datasets to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities to enhance system performance and reliability.
• Use autonomous vehicle simulation platforms to design, execute, and evaluate test scenarios that validate system behavior under diverse conditions.
• Apply systems engineering principles and requirement-based design practices to ensure the autonomous system meets functional, safety, and performance targets.
• Work closely with technical and non-technical stakeholders to communicate findings, align on priorities, and drive informed decision-making.
• Continuously learn and adopt new software tools, workflows, and methodologies to improve testing, analysis, and requirements management processes.

• Minimum of 4+ years of experience in automotive engineering working on software, hardware, or combined hardware/software products.
• At least 2+ years of experience working on autonomous driving systems.
• Strong understanding of automotive and autonomous vehicle technologies, including system-level behavior and integration challenges.
• Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle simulation platforms used to validate and optimize system performance.
• Proven ability to perform data analysis on large datasets to derive actionable insights for system improvement.
• Experience using Linux and command-line interfaces to manage tools, run tests, and process data.
• Experience with git or other source control systems to manage code, configurations, and documentation.
• Strong knowledge of requirements management and requirement-based design within complex engineering systems.
• Demonstrated systems engineering skills, including defining, analyzing, and maintaining system and subsystem requirements.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical teams, including the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Comfort with continuously learning new software tools, workflows, and engineering methodologies.

• Background in systems engineering for complex, safety-critical products is highly beneficial.
• Experience working on cross-functional engineering initiatives involving software, hardware, and validation teams.
• Familiarity with risk assessment processes for functional safety in automotive or autonomous systems.
• Ability to translate real-world incidents and edge cases into structured requirements and test scenarios.
• Experience collaborating in fast-paced environments where priorities can shift based on field performance and customer needs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail in requirements, test design, and data interpretation.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining close alignment with cross-functional stakeholders.

You will work in a collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment focused on autonomous driving systems and continuous improvement of system performance. The role involves frequent interaction with simulation platforms, large-scale data analysis tools, and requirements management processes. You will regularly use Linux and command-line tools, along with git or similar source control systems, as part of your daily workflow. The environment emphasizes rigorous testing, traceable requirements, and data-driven decision-making, while encouraging continuous learning of new software tools and workflows to keep pace with evolving autonomous vehicle technologies.

This is a Contract position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

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)

This is a hybrid position in Ann Arbor,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2026.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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 condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.