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Simulation Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role As a Simulation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing closed-loop spacecraft test platforms - such as six degrees of freedom simulation platform (6DOF), software-in-the-loop ...

Simulation Engineer

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Simulation Engineer

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

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 ...

Modeling & Simulation Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Modeling & Simulation Engineer, you will develop and maintain simulations for complex systems and subsystems across vehicle, sensor, software, and hardware domains. You will work with ...

Showing results 41-60

Simulation Developer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$66.7K

$119.9K

How much do simulation developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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.
Infographic showing various Simulation Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,716 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Maven Robotics

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Role Description
We are looking to recruit an exceptional Modeling & Simulation Engineer to work on our robot models, environment models, and simulation pipeline.
In this role you will:
  • Define simulation requirements
  • Develop performant, cutting-edge mathematical models of robots, manipulators and the scenes in which they operate
  • Strike the perfect balance between fidelity and computational complexity
  • Integrate simulation-based assessment into CI/CD pipelines in a way that scales
  • Make simulation an indispensable part of our entire design, development and deployment process

You will be working closely with the Simulation, Motion Planning & Controls, Field Operations and Intelligence teams.
Qualifications
Must-have:
  • MS or PhD in engineering, mathematics, computer science or a related discipline
  • Experience in mathematical modeling of complex dynamic systems
  • Ability to take ownership of a large, strategically important development project and drive its success
  • Willingness to step in and support other teams when we have tight deadlines and problems to solve

Nice-to-have:
  • Familiarity with environments for robotic simulation including Isaac Sim
  • Experience in some combination of:
    • applied optimization
    • modeling of mechanical contact
    • creation of detailed 3D world models
    • GPU acceleration of physics simulations
    • deployment of numerically-intensive simulations to cloud compute platforms
    • integration of simulation tests into CI/CD pipelines
    • creation of simulation test cases from real-world data
    • simulation for HiL testing