Innovation Technologist - Virtual Testing

At SGS, we are the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification company, setting the global benchmark for sustainability, quality, and integrity. With a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories and a dedicated team of 97.000 employees, we work together to create a better, safer, and more interconnected world. 

As Innovation Technologist focused on Virtual Testing you will investigate how physical testing can transition into high-fidelity digital environments, ensuring reliability, accuracy and trust in simulation-based validation. Combining engineering depth with rapid experimentation, the role explores emerging twin technologies, benchmarks fidelity against real-world behavior, and prototypes new validation methods — guiding build, buy, partner or invest decisions and shaping SGS’s future position in digital-only conformity and lab-in-the-box assurance.

Key responsibilities:

• Investigate which domains of physical testing can transition to simulation, digital twins or lab-in-the-box environments, and translate these opportunities into concrete validation needs.
• Prototype and test early simulation workflows, fidelity benchmarks and correlation studies to evaluate how accurately digital models represent real-world behavior.
• Collaborate with universities, research labs and simulation startups to explore emerging approaches in virtual testing, model calibration, sensor emulation and digital-only conformity methods.
• Technically evaluate simulation platforms and digital twin technologies by deconstructing their architecture, assessing fidelity limits, and identifying integration and scalability considerations.
• Provide structured technical input to build, buy, partner or invest decisions by analyzing simulation models, data flows, validation logic and operational constraints.
• Contribute to the design of SGS’s future role in simulation-based assurance — from virtual validation authority to operator of digital test environments or reference twin platforms.
• Support experiments, pilots and early venture incubation by developing scripts, models or proof-of-concept test rigs together with working students and other technologists.

Essential Experience:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Modelling, Control Systems, or a related field.
• Proven capability in simulation engineering, digital twin development, model-based design, or virtual testing environments, with a strong record of delivering impactful solutions.
• Deep understanding of simulation frameworks, CAD/PLM ecosystems, model calibration, sensor emulation, and correlation analysis between physical and digital systems.
• Ability to design and validate digital test approaches, ensuring high fidelity and practical assurance logic.
• Strong analytical and systems-thinking mindset — able to break down complex simulation workflows and translate gaps or uncertainties into actionable strategies.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, bridging engineers, researchers, and business stakeholders.
• Innovative and pragmatic, with a passion for emerging virtual testing trends and the future of simulation-based assurance.

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with advanced trust-enabling technologies such as high-fidelity modelling, virtual homologation, lab-in-the-box tools, and digital-only conformity methods.
• Exposure to simulation startups, applied research labs, industrial R&D ecosystems, or venture-driven innovation programs.
• Understanding of validation logic, physical-to-digital correlation, data pipelines, and assurance principles in simulation-based testing.
• Hands-on prototyping mindset — comfortable building or refining small simulation models, validation scripts, or test environments.
• Ability to benchmark fidelity and assess scalability of digital solutions in collaboration with internal and external partners.

Why SGS?

• Opportunity to work with a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Join Us: At SGS, we are dedicated to fostering an open, friendly, and supportive culture that thrives on teamwork. We value diversity and provide endless opportunities to learn, grow your expertise, and fulfil your potential.

The minimum gross annual salary for this position is EUR 62,790 (based on 14 monthly payments) according to the applicable collective agreement. A higher salary may be possible depending on your qualifications and experience.