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Robotics Simulation Jobs in Ottawa, ON (NOW HIRING)

Create simulation environments (including physics/robotics simulators) for training and validating AI and robotic behaviors * Deploy and optimize models on edge / resource-constrained flight hardware

The ideal candidate is passionate about building solutions to automate and operate space robotics ... Conduct system-level verification and validation, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL ...

Robotics Simulation information

What is robotics simulation?

Robotics simulation is the use of computer software to model and test the behavior of robots in a virtual environment. This allows engineers and researchers to design, program, and optimize robots without needing physical prototypes, saving time and resources. Simulations can replicate real-world conditions, enabling the analysis of robot movement, sensor data, and task performance before implementation. Robotics simulation is commonly used in developing autonomous systems, industrial automation, and research applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robotics simulation engineer?

To thrive as a Robotics Simulation Engineer, you need a strong background in robotics, computer science, and mathematics, often supported by a relevant degree such as electrical engineering or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with simulation tools like Gazebo, ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB/Simulink, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is essential. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are key soft skills that help in designing and refining complex simulation models. These abilities are crucial for creating accurate simulations that accelerate development, testing, and deployment of robotic systems.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in robotics simulation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in robotics simulation often encounter challenges such as accurately modeling real-world physics, ensuring simulation fidelity, and integrating with hardware or software systems. Addressing these requires a strong understanding of both robotics and simulation tools, as well as effective collaboration with engineers, software developers, and testers. Staying updated with advancements in simulation platforms and maintaining clear documentation are key strategies to overcome these challenges and ensure the simulations provide meaningful insights for development and testing.

What is the difference between Robotics Simulation vs Robotics Software Engineer?

AspectRobotics SimulationRobotics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Robotics, Computer Science, or related; experience with simulation toolsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Robotics, or related; programming skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, simulation platforms, development teamsSoftware development teams, robotics companies, tech firms
Industry UsageTesting algorithms, virtual prototyping, system validationDeveloping robot control software, algorithms, and integration
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Robotics Simulation focuses on creating virtual environments to test and validate robotic systems, while Robotics Software Engineers develop the actual software that controls robots. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of robotics development, with simulation emphasizing testing and validation, and software engineering focusing on implementation and coding.

Infographic showing various Robotics Simulation job openings in Ottawa, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Robotic AI Engineer

Ottawa, ON

CA$75K - CA$110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

At Spaceium, we are building spacecraft systems designed to push the boundaries of what's possible in orbit. As a Robotic AI Engineer, you will develop the intelligence that lets our spacecraft perceive, reason, and act autonomously - from perception and manipulation to onboard decision-making. You will work at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and space systems, building AI that operates reliably in resource-constrained, high-stakes environments.

Responsibilities
  • Design and develop AI/ML models for spacecraft autonomy, perception, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance
  • Develop perception pipelines (computer vision, sensor fusion) for pose estimation, object/target detection, and scene understanding
  • Build reinforcement learning, planning, and decision-making algorithms for autonomous on-orbit operations and robotic manipulation
  • Build data pipelines for training, evaluation, and deployment of models
  • Create simulation environments (including physics/robotics simulators) for training and validating AI and robotic behaviors
  • Deploy and optimize models on edge / resource-constrained flight hardware
  • Integrate AI and robotics systems with flight software and ground segment tools
  • Collaborate with software, systems, GNC, and operations engineers on AI-driven features
  • Research and prototype novel approaches to space-specific robotics and AI challenges
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, AI/ML, Mathematics, or a related field
  • Strong programming skills in Python
  • Experience with machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar)
  • Understanding of statistics and mathematical foundations of ML
  • Experience with version control systems such as Git
What We're Looking For

We're building technology that hasn't been done before. Experience is helpful, but curiosity, drive, and the ability to learn quickly matter more. If you're excited about spacecraft, enjoy solving hard engineering problems, and want to help build something new, we encourage you to apply - whether you're early in your career or more experienced.

Preferred Skills
  • Creative problem solver with strong first-principles thinking, capable of assessing risk and making decisions with limited data.
  • Experience in a nimble, technical engineering role, with a scrappy, entrepreneurial approach to meeting tight time or budget constraints.
  • Experience with robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS), motion planning, or manipulation
  • Experience deploying ML models on edge devices or resource-constrained platforms
  • Familiarity with reinforcement learning, planning, or decision systems
  • Knowledge of computer vision or sensor fusion techniques
  • Experience with MLOps, model monitoring, and continuous training pipelines
  • Understanding of spacecraft operations or autonomous systems
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, collaborative team player, and detail-oriented with a focus on quality.
Additional Requirements
  • Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones.
  • This role requires a physical presence at the Ottawa facility.
Compensation
  • Salary: $75,000 - $110,000 CAD per year
  • Equity: 0.1% - 0.5%

If you're excited about shaping the future of space systems, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit any projects that you have worked on.