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🚗 Nissan Interview Experience

⬅️ Back Role: Embedded System Engineer – Powertrain Domain
Mode: Hybrid (Initial rounds online, final at plant)
Location: Chennai + Onsite interaction with Japan counterparts
Rounds: 3 Technical + 1 Managerial + 1 HR

🧪 Technical Round 1: ECU + Requirement Analysis + System Knowledge

Topics Touched: - ECU fundamentals - Engine-Side system knowledge - Requirement decomposition - System to Software handoff - ARXML usage

Sample Questions:

  1. How do you differentiate system-level requirements and software-level requirements?
    (They emphasized ISO 26262 boundary clarity.)

  2. What are the basic functional blocks in an engine control ECU?
    (Expect references to injection control, crankshaft timing, etc.)

  3. Have you created SWCs from ARXML and ECU extracts? Explain the process.

  4. How do you analyze customer-level engine performance requirements and convert them into implementable software logic?

  5. What is the significance of requirement traceability during change requests in ECUs?

  6. What tools have you used for requirement writing and version control?
    (Expected answers: Polarion, DOORS, or similar.)

🔬 Technical Round 2: Model Development + Virtual vs Non-Virtual Blocks + Testing

Topics Touched: - Simulink modeling with OEM standard libraries - Virtual/Non-virtual block usage - SWC Integration + AUTOSAR - SIL testing and GTest integration

Sample Questions:

  1. Can you explain the difference between virtual and non-virtual subsystems in Simulink?
    (Follow-up: When to use which in production-grade ECUs?)

  2. How is your model development guided by the ARXML and ECU extract files?

  3. Walk us through the model-to-code generation process using TargetLink or Embedded Coder.

  4. What type of ports have you configured while designing SWCs? What’s the importance of sender-receiver vs client-server interfaces?

  5. How do you validate SWC functionality in GTest? Can you describe how you setup SIL-based test scenarios?

  6. Have you worked on CAN signal testing or integrating DBCs in your simulation environment?

🏭 Technical Round 3: Manufacturing Awareness + System Maturity + International Collaboration

Topics Touched: - Plant interaction and calibration flow - Communication with Japan teams - Plant-based integration of ECU software - Manufacturing defect feedback loop

Sample Questions:

  1. What changes are necessary in an ECU when moving from prototype testing to manufacturing calibration?

  2. How do you collaborate with Japan teams when local plant requirements conflict with global architecture?

  3. Explain how real-vehicle data logs help in refining engine control models.

  4. What exposure do you have to mass production defect reporting and feedback loop from manufacturing to engineering?

  5. How do you ensure synchronization between multiple departments (testing, calibration, manufacturing, requirement) across geographies?

👨‍💼 Managerial Round

  • Asked about previous project deliveries, deadlines, change management
  • Japanese work ethic and precision-based discussions
  • Enthusiasm about working in cross-cultural teams
  • Communication expectations in Japan-headquartered environments

📝 Final Notes

  • Interview structure emphasized Japanese precision and methodical documentation.
  • Strong modeling and validation background using ARXML-based flow and ECU-specific implementations was crucial.
  • GTest knowledge for unit + SIL testing was a big plus.
  • Manufacturing and plant calibration exposure added strong weightage.
  • Virtual vs Non-virtual subsystem clarity was expected even at junior levels.