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Robotics Simulation Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Molg

Robotics Engineer (Path Planning)

Sterling, VA · On-site

Debug and improve robot behavior using data from live cells, logs, and telemetry--not just simulation results. * Contribute to architectural decisions around planning frameworks, kinematics ...

Sparks Group

Mechanical Engineer - Robotics

Sterling, VA

$105.50K - $139.30K/yr

Senior Robotics Engineer (Mechanical & Systems) Job Summary: An innovative robotics and data ... Simulation tools (FEA/CFD, MATLAB, Simulink, etc.). * CAM software experience (Fusion 360 or ...

MOLG Inc.

Senior Robotics Engineer

Sterling, VA

$103.80K - $142.60K/yr

Molg builds robotics microfactories and software to autonomously assemble and disassemble complex ... Developing and expanding advance simulation and motion planning capabilities * Collaborating with ...

MOLG Inc.

Junior Robotics Engineer

Sterling, VA

Molg builds robotics microfactories and software to autonomously assemble and disassemble complex ... Delivering simulations and scenarios related to customer demonstrations and deployments

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Robotics Simulation information

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$12.5K

$76.6K

$137.6K

How much do robotics simulation jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics simulation in Washington, DC is $76,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Robotics Simulation Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Robotics Simulation jobs in Washington, DC? For Robotics Simulation jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Robotics Simulation jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Simulation jobs in Washington, DC are:
Robotics Simulation jobs near you
2026 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

2026 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 56 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you searching for impactful, hands-on work at the forefront of robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled decision making?
Are you interested in advancing state-of-the-art autonomy through applied research and experimentation?
Are you excited to work on mission-driven problems that require both technical depth and system-level thinking?
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems to join the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ). This role is intended for recent PhD graduates who want to apply advanced research to real-world robotic systems operating in complex, mission-driven environments providing asymmetric capabilities for our nation.
Our team develops robotic capabilities and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) autonomous systems to address the nation's immediate needs, bringing together experts spanning platform design, embedded autonomy, perception, and mission-level behaviors, with a strong emphasis on hands-on system development, rapid prototyping, and field experimentation.
This position is ideal for candidates who want to bridge cutting-edge research and operational deployment, working on systems that extend human capabilities and operate in high-risk or denied environments.
As a member of our team, you will...
  • Lead and contribute to applied research in robotics and autonomy, transitioning novel ideas into prototypes and deployable systems
  • Design, build, and integrate robotic platforms, including sensing, compute, control, and communications
  • Contribute to teams developing advanced autonomy algorithms and pipelines on resource-constrained hardware, including perception, planning, decision-making, and multi-agent coordination
  • Develop and evaluate systems using simulation, digital twins, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) environments
  • Conduct field experiments and performance evaluations in realistic operational scenarios
  • Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI/ML disciplines to deliver integrated capabilities
  • Publish results and help shape future research directions and proposals

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Demonstrate a strong record of research in robotics or autonomous systems (e.g., publications, dissertation work, or equivalent)
  • Have hands-on experience building and testing robotic systems
  • Are familiar with embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, microcontrollers, FPGA-based systems) and real-time sensing and processing
  • Have experience with robotics frameworks and simulation environments (e.g., ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar)
  • Are proficient in programming languages such as Python and C++
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret clearance to start and ultimately a final Top-Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required; subject to a government background investigation).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience developing real-world robotic platforms (e.g., UAVs, UGVs, maritime, or custom systems)
  • Have deep algorithm expertise in one or more areas, such as perception, SLAM, planning, control, or multi-agent autonomy
  • Have experience adapting and deploying AI models for real-time inference on embedded/edge platforms (e.g., Jetson, FPGA, microcontrollers, real-time systems)
  • Have strong experience with robotics simulation and digital twin environments (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal, AirSim)
  • Have experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing and sim-to-real transfer
  • Have experience with rapid prototyping, including CAD, fabrication, and electronics integration
  • Demonstrate a track record of transitioning research into operational or applied systems
  • Have experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior researchers

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,300 Annually
Maximum Rate
$155,500 Annually

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