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3D Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems * Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC ...

Shape the future of visual impact assessment with cutting-edge 3D visualization technology. ERM is seeking a Visual Simulations Technician to join our growing Visual Services team. This role supports ...

You'll help define the simulation substrate Luma uses to train general-purpose robot policies - a faithful, controllable simulation of the world built on our generative video and 3D models. You'll ...

Showing results 21-40

3D Simulation information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$121.8K

$188K

How much do 3d simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d simulation in California is $121,783.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,800.00 and $144,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3d simulation?

A 3D Simulation job involves creating digital models that replicate real-world objects, environments, or processes to analyze and predict behaviors in a virtual space. Professionals in this field use specialized software to simulate physics, motion, and interactions for industries such as engineering, gaming, healthcare, and manufacturing. Responsibilities may include developing simulation models, optimizing designs, and validating system performance. These simulations help reduce development costs, enhance product design, and improve decision-making before real-world implementation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a professional working in 3d simulation?

As a 3D Simulation professional, your day-to-day tasks often involve developing and refining 3D models, programming simulation behaviors, conducting tests, and troubleshooting issues to ensure accuracy and performance. You may collaborate closely with engineers, designers, or project managers to translate real-world scenarios into digital environments and iterate on prototype simulations based on feedback. Documentation, version control, and staying updated with the latest software advancements are also common aspects of the role. This dynamic workflow allows you to contribute to a wide range of projects, from training applications in aerospace to product design and virtual reality experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3d simulation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a 3D Simulation role, you need strong knowledge of 3D modeling, simulation software, mathematics, and physics, often supported by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine, or MATLAB, as well as experience with programming languages like Python or C++, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers. These competencies ensure you can accurately create, test, and refine realistic simulations that meet project specifications and facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Simulation jobs in California?

The most popular types of 3D Simulation jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various 3D Simulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 66% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,783 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Simulation Engineer

Freeform

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

SIMULATION ENGINEER
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
As a Simulation Engineer at Freeform, you will be responsible for developing physics-based, data-driven models that enable the first production scale, high quality, and fully automated metal 3D printing factory capability. We are looking for someone with deep knowledge in physical simulations and multi-physics phenomena who can develop sophisticated models from scratch for undefined or previously unsolved problem statements. This person needs to be comfortable working in an interdisciplinary environment that iterates quickly and decisively.
3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!
Responsibilities:
  • Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems
  • Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC or GPU platforms
  • Work with software engineers to build and deploy physics-based and data-driven models of the laser powder bed fusion process
  • Work with software engineers to integrate low-level solvers into simulation pipelines and interface with hardware systems
  • Guide the integration of computational geometry and meshing techniques to support large-scale, physics-driven simulations
  • Architect simulation modules for execution on specialized compute hardware including FPGAs and GPUs
  • Contribute to the development of model-predictive control strategies alongside control engineers
  • Generate and maintain documentation for all algorithms, solvers, and integrated systems

Basic Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in applied mathematics, physics, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field
  • A PhD in one of the above fields in lieu of industry experience
  • Demonstrated experience writing low-level numerical solvers for physical simulations
  • Strong programming skills in C, C++, or CUDA
  • Experience developing simulations in a high-performance compute environment (i.e. running on GPUs)
  • Academic or professional familiarity with solid mechanics, continuum mechanics, or other physical modeling domains

Nice to Have:
  • Experience with real-time or near-real-time simulations on GPU or parallel computing platforms
  • Experience with direct numerical simulation (DNS) models
  • Familiarity with solid mechanics, continuum mechanics, or other physical modeling domains
  • Experience with thermo-elastic or thermo-elastoplastic modeling
  • Familiarity with computational geometry and meshing techniques
  • Experience with data-driven modeling techniques and hybrid physics/data simulation methods
  • Familiarity with optimization techniques and control theory
  • Experience with 2D and 3D meshing libraries and tools
  • Creative problem solver with a strong foundation in first-principles thinking and numerical analysis
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Location:
  • Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA's deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.
  • Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

What We Offer:
  • We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
  • We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
  • Benefits
    • Significant stock option packages
    • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
    • Life insurance
    • Traditional and Roth 401(k)
    • Relocation assistance provided
    • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
    • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
    • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
    • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
  • Compensation
    • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
    • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $115,000-$150,000, dependent on the candidate's academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience.
  • Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.