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Physics Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Agility Robotics

Senior Manager, Simulation

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$208K - $324K/yr

You'll work at the intersection of physics simulation, hardware abstraction, and robot learning -- partnering closely with our AI, Controls, Perception Sensors, Hardware Interfaces, Quality Assurance ...

1X

Software Engineer - Simulation

San Carlos, CA · On-site

... physics simulators or OpenGL rendering pipelines • Strong testing practices for simulation stacks used in robot learning--comfortable writing tests that verify physical correctness and catch ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPhysics Simulation JobsPhysics Simulation Jobs in California

Physics Simulation information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$66.7K

$119.9K

How much do physics simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics simulation in California is $66,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in a Physics Simulation role, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and computer science, often supported by a relevant STEM degree. Proficiency in simulation software (such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or COMSOL), programming languages (like Python or C++), and familiarity with numerical modeling systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication abilities are highly valued in this field. These competencies ensure accurate simulation results, efficient teamwork, and the ability to tackle complex real-world challenges in research or industry settings.

What are the typical daily tasks and responsibilities for someone working in physics simulation?

Professionals in Physics Simulation spend much of their day developing, testing, and refining computational models to represent physical phenomena, often collaborating with engineers and scientists to define simulation objectives. Responsibilities may include writing or optimizing code, analyzing simulation outputs, adjusting parameters to improve accuracy, and documenting methodologies and results. You might also participate in team meetings to review project milestones, discuss findings, and recommend design or process improvements based on your simulations. The role often involves both independent technical work and cross-disciplinary cooperation, making adaptability and clear communication important for success.

What is a physics simulation?

A Physics Simulation job involves developing and implementing mathematical models to replicate real-world physical behaviors in software. Professionals in this field work with physics engines, numerical methods, and programming to simulate motion, collisions, fluid dynamics, or other physical phenomena. These simulations are used in industries such as gaming, film VFX, engineering, and scientific research to test and visualize complex systems. Strong skills in physics, programming (e.g., C++, Python), and computational techniques are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Simulation jobs in California? The most popular types of Physics Simulation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Physics Simulation jobs in California? For Physics Simulation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physics Simulation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Simulation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Physics Simulation jobs? Cities in California with the most Physics Simulation job openings:
Physics Simulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physics Simulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,716 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems: 

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.

Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we're designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. 

We're in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we've raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.

Now we're looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who'll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team. 

If that's you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer

We're looking for a Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our design team to help build next-generation hardware. In this role, you will serve as a lead technical expert for advanced simulations, driving the predictive validation of complex hardware systems.

This role requires a high-level practitioner in multi-physics simulation who can comfortably model complex interactions across thermal, structural, fluid flow, and chemical regimes. If you enjoy solving deeply complex physics problems, applying rigorous modeling standards, and working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment to deliver first-of-a-kind hardware, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

What you'll do:
  • Execute Simulation and Modeling: Lead advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for advanced processing equipment
  • Run Multi-Physics Analysis: Build, run, and evaluate highly coupled simulations covering structural mechanics, high-temperature thermal management, fluid/gas flow dynamics, and chemical reaction kinetics
  • Apply Engineering Best Practices: Implement engineering workflows for simulation data management, mesh convergence criteria, and rigorous verification and validation (V&V) protocols using physical test data
  • Drive Design Reviews: Provide analytical leadership during technical design reviews, verifying structural margins, thermal stress distributions, and flow uniformity to guide design choices
  • Collaborate & Interface: Partner closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical Designers, Electrical Engineers, Materials Scientists, and Chemical Specialists, to translate simulation insights into actionable hardware modifications
  • Project Accountability: Own and report on modeling milestones, timelines, and computational resources to stakeholders, ensuring on-time and in-spec delivery
  • Mentor Talent: Coach and mentor junior engineering staff on modeling methodologies, simulation accuracy, and the practical application of finite element principles to real-world hardware
  • Get Things Done: Act with speed to solve critical engineering bottlenecks, validating design optimization paths from concept through prototype deployment
What we're looking for:
  • Education: Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field with a heavy focus on computational mechanics and multi-physics modeling
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in simulation and predictive analysis of complex R&D systems
  • Software Mastery: Advanced, hands-on expert in ANSYS, COMSOL Multi-physics, or equivalent high-end FEA/CFD simulation platforms
  • Multi-Disciplinary Analytical Expertise: Proven track record of successfully running coupled simulations (e.g., fluid-structure interaction, thermal-structural behavior, and chemical reaction modeling)
  • Empirical Correlation: Ability to bridge the gap between virtual models and the shop floor by validating simulation results against physical test metrics like strain gauge data, thermal imaging, and flow sensors
  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to influence hardware design direction through analytical data and lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment
Bonus points for:
  • Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with applying industry codes to simulation-driven design validation
  • Motion & Dynamics: Experience running transient dynamic simulations or modeling precision motion systems in extreme thermal environments
Must-have requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
  • Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
  • Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
  • Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
$130,000 - $200,000 a year
Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.
 
Benefits include:
  Competitive compensation with equity
  13 Company-wide Holidays
  Flexible vacation days
  10 sick days
  Generous parental leave policy
  Health, dental, and vision insurance
  401(k) with employer matching
  Professional growth opportunities
  Team-building activities
At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we're eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, "Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.
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