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Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer Jobs in California

Epoch Biodesign

Simulation Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

... robotics). * Strong Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python, Go and/or C++ and experience with simulation frameworks or libraries. * Physics‑Based Modeling: Strong understanding of ...

Hammerhead AI

Simulation Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

... or robotics). * Strong Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python, Go and/or C++ and experience with simulation frameworks or libraries. * Physics-Based Modeling: Strong understanding of first ...

OpenAI

Lead Thermal Simulation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

About the Team Our Robotics team is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing ... About the Role We are seeking a lead thermal simulation engineer to help accelerate the design and ...

HammerheadAI

Simulation Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

... or robotics). * Strong Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python, Go and/or C++ and experience with simulation frameworks or libraries. * Physics-Based Modeling: Strong understanding of first ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$142K - $235K/yr

Lead Simulation Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location ... robotic systems, or similar platforms. Experience must include development of vehicle and/or ...

Hammerhead AI

Simulation Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

... or robotics). * Strong Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python, Go and/or C++ and experience with simulation frameworks or libraries. * Physics-Based Modeling: Strong understanding of first ...

OpenAI

Lead Thermal Simulation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$423K - $485K/yr

About the Team Our Robotics team is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing ... About the Role We are seeking a lead thermal simulation engineer to help accelerate the design and ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation ... robotic systems, or similar platforms. Experience must include development of vehicle and/or ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation ... robotic systems, or similar platforms. Experience must include development of vehicle and/or ...

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Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer information

What does a freelance robotic simulation engineer do?

A Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer designs, develops, and tests virtual models of robotic systems using specialized simulation software. Their work helps companies visualize, optimize, and troubleshoot robotic processes before physical implementation, saving time and resources. They typically collaborate remotely with clients in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and automation to create accurate simulations, analyze performance, and provide technical recommendations. As freelancers, they manage multiple projects and are responsible for their own schedules and client communications.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance robotic simulation engineers when working with diverse client projects?

Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different simulation platforms, ensuring compatibility with various robot hardware, and meeting tight project deadlines. Each client may use unique software tools or have specific workflow requirements, so the ability to learn and integrate new systems efficiently is essential. Additionally, clear communication and regular updates are vital when collaborating remotely with multidisciplinary teams to align simulation outcomes with client expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance robotic simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer, you need strong proficiency in robotics principles, simulation modeling, and programming languages such as Python or C++, often backed by a degree in engineering or computer science. Expertise with simulation platforms like ROS (Robot Operating System), Gazebo, or MATLAB/Simulink, and relevant certifications, are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you deliver effective solutions and collaborate with diverse clients. These skills ensure accurate simulations, successful project outcomes, and sustained client satisfaction in a competitive, technology-driven field.

Are freelance robotic simulation engineers in demand?

Freelance robotic simulation engineers are in growing demand due to the increasing adoption of robotics and automation across industries. Skills in simulation tools like Gazebo, ROS, and MATLAB, along with experience in programming and system modeling, enhance employability in this field. The demand is driven by companies seeking flexible, specialized expertise for testing and development projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Robotic Simulation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Robotic Simulation Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer jobs in California?

For Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer job openings:

Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Robotic Simulation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Senior Member of Technical Staff: Robot Simulation

Walden Robotics

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$180K - $315K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build and maintain a high-fidelity simulation platform for prototyping, testing, and validating robot behaviors.

  • Establish benchmarks and optimize rendering, physics, and pipeline execution to accelerate iteration and increase throughput.

  • Partner with autonomy and infrastructure teams and mentor simulation engineers.

Job description

Position Summary:
We're looking for a senior, hands-on engineer to build and scale the simulation platform for our general-purpose robots. You'll own core simulator and tooling components that let us evaluate and improve policies faster than the real world allows. You'll work closely with autonomy and infrastructure teams to make simulation fast, reliable, and easy to use.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Simulation Development: Build and maintain a high-fidelity simulation platform for prototyping, testing, and validating robot behaviors.
  • Performance & Scalability: Establish benchmarks and optimize rendering, physics, and pipeline execution to accelerate iteration and increase throughput.
  • Evaluation Infrastructure: Build scalable evaluation infrastructure that produces reliable training signals and enables iteration beyond the speed of real-world testing.
  • Coverage & Realism: Define, measure, and reduce the sim-to-real gap while expanding simulation coverage and realism.
  • Collaboration & Mentorship: Partner with autonomy and infrastructure teams and mentor simulation engineers.

Required Qualifications:
  • Simulation Expertise: Strong background in physics, rendering, or robotics simulation, with hands-on experience developing on platforms such as Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, or Drake.
  • Software & Systems Engineering: Strong Python and/or C++ skills, with experience building and maintaining production-grade, high-performance parallel systems.
  • Performance & Evaluation Rigor: Ability to profile complex systems, diagnose bottlenecks, and take a measurement-driven approach to performance, reliability, evaluation, and the sim-to-real gap.
  • Technical Leadership: Sound engineering judgment, clear communication, and a track record of leading workstreams, mentoring engineers, and raising technical standards.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience running containerized simulation workloads in the cloud with scalable, parallel job execution.
  • Experience generating synthetic simulation assets, environments, and evaluation scenarios through procedural generation, generative modeling, or agentic authoring.
  • Familiarity with GPU-accelerated simulation or rendering.

Walden Robotics offers a competitive total compensation program, including salary, annual cash bonus, company equity, company-subsidized insurance programs, 401(k) with company match, flexible PTO, daily lunch, and other benefits. The pay ranges noted on our posts are for salary only.
Walden Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to hello@waldenrobotics.com.
Walden Robotics participates in E-Verify. If you receive an offer of employment from Walden, you will need to go through the E-Verify process of digital verification of your employment authorization documents as provided on the Form I-9. Participation in E-Verify does not limit your right to work and verification will only be completed after you become an employee with Walden Robotics.
At Walden Robotics, we envision a world where general-purpose robots dramatically improve the quality of life for all people-supporting us at home, at work, in factories, on farms, and beyond. To accomplish this, we are building a team of exceptional professionals who combine world-class technical skills with creative vision, grounded in humility and collaboration.
The pay range for this role is:
180,000 - 315,000 USD per year (SF)

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