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Simulation Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$142K - $235K/yr

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 ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

Northwoodspace

Simulation Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$124K - $168K/yr

SIMULATION ENGINEER (GLOBAL GROUND/SATELLITE NETWORKS) Northwood is building a global network of next-generation ground stations, and we're looking for a Simulation Engineer to lead network ...

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

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

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 ...

JetZero

Simulation Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Collaborate with systems engineers to define simulation objectives based on technical requirements. * Identify key parameters and test cases to ensure model accuracy. * Integration & Testing:

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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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 12, 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
Infographic showing various Simulation Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,716 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Lead Simulation Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA

$142K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.   
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 the simulation with vehicle software and automated integrated test tools.  The lead simulation engineer will support long-term strategic planning of simulation scope and capabilities with the larger software team and manage the short term tactical priorities.  This position is a technical leadership position with an expectation that the lead will also be doing hands on work as part of the simulation team, especially in the realm of integration with other tools and simulation performance improvements.

What you'll do:
  • 10+ years architecting and building real time and faster than real time simulations of complex systems such as spacecraft, aircraft, automobiles or similar systems.  Experience must include developing individual models, modeling vehicle dynamics and vehicle operating environment, and developing simulation infrastructure 
  • 3 or more years of leading a simulation team, including planning work scope and milestones and managing a small team to meet those milestones 
  • Experience integrating a simulation with vehicle software that runs in a separate environment (e.g. spacecraft vehicle simulation integrated with vehicle flight software running on a flight computer or automobile simulation integrated with on-board vehicle software running in a container) 
  • Significant experience with simulation and model verification and validation 
  • Significant experience with vehicle dynamics modeling, both rigid bodies and flexible bodies and a solid understanding of numerical integration of dynamical systems 
  • Significant experience modeling real-world sensors and effectors/actuators, including error sources 
  • Experience with fault injection in a simulation environment 
  • Strong C++ and Python software programming skills 

What you'll bring:
  • Experience simulating extra-terrestrial rovers 
  • Experience modeling suspension systems 
  • Experience with terramechanics modeling and with tuning terramechanics models given fidelity needs vs. simulation performance requirements 
  • Experience working with standard spaceflight models relevant to extra-terrestrial rovers, such as GRGM1200A lunar gravity model, GMM-3 Mars gravity model, Mars GRAM, and similar 
  • Significant experience instrumenting, analyzing, and improving simulation performance to ensure real time frames are not overrun or speed up Monte Carlo analysis 
  • Experience setting up simulations to support Monte Carlo or similar statistical performance analysis 

Benefits and Perks
  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks