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Robotics Simulation Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Robotics Simulation information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$12.9K

$79.4K

$142.7K

How much do robotics simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics simulation in Santa Clara, CA is $79,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,700.00 and $93,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What job categories do people searching Robotics Simulation jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotics Simulation jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Robotics Simulation jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Robotics Simulation job openings:

Infographic showing various Robotics Simulation job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,393 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Research Engineer: Robotics & 3D Simulation

San Jose, CA • On-site

Honda Research Institute USA
11 - 50 employees

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Research Engineer: Robotics & 3D Simulation - Honda Research Institute USAResearch Engineer: Robotics & 3D Simulation

Job Number: P25T09

Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) is seeking a self-motivated research engineer to join our Intelligent Robotics Research division. This individual will support research workflows by preparing and running high-fidelity 3D simulation experiments in robotics, including but not limited to: reconstructing real-world objects and contact-rich scenes, aligning/evaluating simulated behavior with real-world measurements, adapting/evaluating existing machine learning and control methods using simulation. The role combines hands-on scene creation, robotics simulation, simulation-based methods, experimental validation, and clear communication of technical and implementation outcomes.

San Jose, CA

Key Responsibilities

  • Create diverse contact-rich scenes in simulation using 3D scanners and/or 3D modelling of real-world objects.
  • Perform system identification to reduce/evaluate sim-to-real gaps.
  • Create and run scenes across different simulators to compare and evaluate simulation fidelity.
  • Implement, adapt, and evaluate existing methods that are relevant to and leverage simulation (e.g., control optimization, 3D representation learning).
  • Deliver results in accordance with project timelines.
  • Prepare written and oral technical reports and demonstrations.
  • Collaborate with our teams of scientists and engineers in Honda’s regional and global R&D offices..
  • Communicate results, tradeoffs, and implementation outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or related field.
  • Experience with 3D asset creation or processing workflows, such as 3D scanning, mesh cleanup, CAD/Blender-style modeling, material definition, etc.
  • Experience with creating high-fidelity 3D scenes and 3D assets of real objects.
  • Experience with running robotics simulation (experience with multiple platforms preferred).
  • Comfortable reading, understanding, and implementing algorithms from research papers.
  • Has general knowledge/experience with machine learning (e.g., collecting data, training and evaluating models, defining loss, understanding of different architectures).

Bonus Qualifications

  • Experience with contact-rich physics simulation.
  • Experience with 3D representation learning.
  • Has knowledge and experience on system identification.
  • Has general knowledge/experience with control optimization (e.g., multi-chain gradients and Jacobians, optimization steps and trust regions).
  • Familiarity with numerical simulation, optimization, or differentiable physics workflows.
  • Demonstrated expertise through research, projects, or open-source contributions.

Desired Start Date 10/26/2026

Contract Duration 1year

Position Keywords robotics, 3D simulation, high-fidelity 3D modelling, sim-to-real, real-to-sim

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