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Simulation Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Freeform

Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

The lead simulation engineer will be responsible for directing the technical work of the simulation team, including development of the simulation infrastructure, vehicle models, and integration of ...

DensityAI

Simulation Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

DensityAI is a company focused on AI accelerators, and they are seeking a Simulation Engineer to build and own the software simulation stack for their AI accelerator. The role involves designing and ...

DoorDash

Lead Simulation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the Role We are seeking a Lead Simulation Engineer to architect and build an end-to-end aerial autonomy simulation stack at DoorDash Labs. This is a highly technical, hands-on leadership role ...

Impulse Space

Senior Simulation Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Senior Simulation Engineer Department: Autonomous Systems Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $150,000 - $200,000 / year Description As a Simulation Engineer , you will ...

Freeform

Principal Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PRINCIPAL SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Freeform

Senior Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

SENIOR SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Freeform

Senior Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

SENIOR SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Freeform

Senior Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

SENIOR SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Freeform

Principal Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PRINCIPAL SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Freeform

Principal Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

PRINCIPAL SIMULATION ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Apple

Electrical Simulation CAE Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $249K/yr

We are the Electrical Simulation CAE Team in Hardware Engineering, and our primary objective is to develop and implement workflows and methodologies that ensure electrical and electromagnetic ...

Hammerhead AI

Simulation Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

News & Blogs Role Description As an AI/ML Simulation Engineer, you will build the virtual world where our intelligence is born. You will be responsible for creating and scaling high-fidelity digital ...

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All JobsSimulation Developer JobsSimulation Developer Jobs in California

Simulation Developer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$66.7K

$119.9K

How much do simulation developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation developer 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 is the difference between Simulation Developer vs Simulation Engineer?

AspectSimulation DeveloperSimulation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or higher in Engineering, Computer Science; specialized simulation knowledge
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, R&D labs, tech companiesEngineering teams, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, gaming, simulation software companiesEngineering firms, aerospace, automotive, defense
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, skills, and career pathsJob responsibilities, industry applications, skills needed

Simulation Developers focus on creating and coding simulation software, often emphasizing programming and software design. Simulation Engineers apply simulation techniques to solve engineering problems, focusing on system analysis and testing. While both roles require technical skills and knowledge of simulation, Simulation Developers are more software-centric, whereas Simulation Engineers are more application-focused within engineering contexts.

What does a Simulation Developer do?

A Simulation Developer designs, builds, and tests computer-based models that mimic real-world processes or systems. They use programming languages and simulation software to create virtual environments for training, research, or analysis purposes. These professionals work in various industries, such as aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing, to help organizations understand complex scenarios and make informed decisions. Simulation Developers often collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure models are accurate and effective.

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

To thrive as a Simulation Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as C++, Python, or Java), a background in mathematics or engineering, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (like Unity, Unreal Engine, or MATLAB) and experience using modeling tools and version control systems are typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding simulation developers apart. These competencies are vital for building accurate, reliable simulations that meet user needs and support decision-making in various industries.

What are some typical challenges Simulation Developers face when working on complex projects?

Simulation Developers often encounter challenges such as balancing simulation accuracy with computational efficiency and managing large datasets. Collaborating closely with domain experts and software engineers is essential to ensure the simulation reflects real-world scenarios and integrates smoothly with other systems. Additionally, adapting to evolving project requirements and optimizing code for different hardware platforms can require creative problem-solving and continuous learning.
What are popular job titles related to Simulation Developer jobs in California? For Simulation Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Simulation Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Simulation Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Simulation Developer jobs in CA? For Simulation Developer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Simulation Developer jobs near you
Simulation Engineer

Simulation Engineer

Freeform

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

SIMULATION ENGINEER
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
As a Simulation Engineer at Freeform, you will be responsible for developing physics-based, data-driven models that enable the first production scale, high quality, and fully automated metal 3D printing factory capability. We are looking for someone with deep knowledge in physical simulations and multi-physics phenomena who can develop sophisticated models from scratch for undefined or previously unsolved problem statements. This person needs to be comfortable working in an interdisciplinary environment that iterates quickly and decisively.
3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!
Responsibilities:
  • Develop high-performance numerical solvers for simulating the physics of advanced metal 3D printing systems
  • Implement numerical simulation models for real-time or near-real-time performance on HPC or GPU platforms
  • Work with software engineers to build and deploy physics-based and data-driven models of the laser powder bed fusion process
  • Work with software engineers to integrate low-level solvers into simulation pipelines and interface with hardware systems
  • Guide the integration of computational geometry and meshing techniques to support large-scale, physics-driven simulations
  • Architect simulation modules for execution on specialized compute hardware including FPGAs and GPUs
  • Contribute to the development of model-predictive control strategies alongside control engineers
  • Generate and maintain documentation for all algorithms, solvers, and integrated systems

Basic Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in applied mathematics, physics, computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field
  • A PhD in one of the above fields in lieu of industry experience
  • Demonstrated experience writing low-level numerical solvers for physical simulations
  • Strong programming skills in C, C++, or CUDA
  • Experience developing simulations in a high-performance compute environment (i.e. running on GPUs)
  • Academic or professional familiarity with solid mechanics, continuum mechanics, or other physical modeling domains

Nice to Have:
  • Experience with real-time or near-real-time simulations on GPU or parallel computing platforms
  • Experience with direct numerical simulation (DNS) models
  • Familiarity with solid mechanics, continuum mechanics, or other physical modeling domains
  • Experience with thermo-elastic or thermo-elastoplastic modeling
  • Familiarity with computational geometry and meshing techniques
  • Experience with data-driven modeling techniques and hybrid physics/data simulation methods
  • Familiarity with optimization techniques and control theory
  • Experience with 2D and 3D meshing libraries and tools
  • Creative problem solver with a strong foundation in first-principles thinking and numerical analysis
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Location:
  • Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA's deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.
  • Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

What We Offer:
  • We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
  • We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
  • Benefits
    • Significant stock option packages
    • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
    • Life insurance
    • Traditional and Roth 401(k)
    • Relocation assistance provided
    • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
    • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
    • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
    • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
  • Compensation
    • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
    • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $115,000-$150,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.
  • Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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