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Simulation Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HammerheadAI

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 ...

Humble Robotics

Simulation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Position Overview Open to a range of experience levels We're looking for a software engineer to join our simulation team. You'll build the systems and tools that support closed-loop model testing ...

Inversion

Simulation Engineer I, Arc Vehicle

Vista, CA · On-site

$71K - $124K/yr

What You'll Do As a Simulation Engineer at Inversion, you will focus on developing, automating, and maintaining the simulation and testing environments that validate our flight systems. You will play ...

Impulse Space

Senior Simulation Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Description As a Simulation Engineer , you will be responsible for developing and maintaining high-fidelity simulations of space vehicle dynamics, sensors, actuators, and propulsion systems, with the ...

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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
Staff Simulation Engineer - Core Simulation Platform

Staff Simulation Engineer - Core Simulation Platform

Apptronik

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. As Staff Simulation Engineer for Core Simulation Platform, you’ll contribute to the architecture and development of a high-performance simulation platform, ensuring it is robust and performant while supporting various teams' evolving simulation needs.
Responsibilities:
• Contribute to the architecture and development of the core simulation platform — high-performance digital twins that serve as the foundation for policy training, controls validation, and CI/CD integration testing.
• Help build and scale cloud-native simulation pipelines capable of generating millions of experience hours per day, parallelizing physics and rendering for rapid policy iteration.
• Improve sim-to-real transfer through advanced contact models and actuator dynamics that help policies trained in simulation transfer to physical humanoid hardware.
• Develop sensor-realistic environments (camera, LiDAR, depth) that challenge the perception stack with dynamic and diverse worlds.
• Ship platform improvements that visibly reduce iteration time for RL, controls, and perception teams.
• Work with Controls, AI Research, and Perception teams to support their evolving simulation needs as the platform grows.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Excellent C++ and/or Python programming skills
• Familiar with software development best practices: CI/CD, automated testing, and code quality standards
• Understanding of robotics concepts: kinematics, dynamics, controls, system identification
• Experience with modern robotic simulators (Isaac Lab, MuJoCo, or equivalent)
• Understanding of Reinforcement Learning with research or production experience
• Experience with large-scale training workloads — deploying parallel simulations on cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) with distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Ray, Kubernetes)
• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of experience in robotic simulation, software engineering, or related fields
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate
Company:
Apptronik is a robotics company that designs and builds humanoid robots for various real-world applications. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Austin, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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