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Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$142K - $235K/yr

Lead Simulation Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Denise Brown Compensation: $142,000 - $235,000 / year Description ...

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Apex

Senior Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$170K - $214K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsSimulation JobsSimulation Jobs in California

Simulation information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$66.7K

$119.9K

How much do simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation 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 vs CAD Designer?

AspectSimulationCAD Designer
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in simulation softwareEngineering or design degrees, CAD software certifications
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospaceDesign studios, manufacturing, product development
Industry UsageTesting and analyzing product performanceCreating detailed product models and drawings

Simulation specialists focus on testing and analyzing how products perform under various conditions using simulation software. CAD Designers create detailed 3D models and drawings for manufacturing and design purposes. While both roles require engineering knowledge and software skills, Simulation emphasizes analysis and testing, whereas CAD Design centers on creating precise models for production.

What is a simulation job?

A simulation job involves creating, analyzing, or operating computer-based models that replicate real-world systems or processes. These roles often require skills in programming, data analysis, and understanding of the specific industry, such as engineering, healthcare, or aerospace. Simulation professionals use specialized software to test scenarios, improve designs, or train personnel.

What careers use simulation?

Simulation is used in various careers such as aerospace engineering, healthcare, military training, automotive design, and software development. Professionals in these fields use simulation tools and software to model real-world systems, test scenarios, and improve processes, often requiring skills in programming, modeling, and analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by simulation professionals when working on complex projects?

Simulation professionals often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse data sources, ensuring model accuracy, and effectively communicating technical results to non-technical stakeholders. Working on complex projects usually involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, managing tight deadlines, and adapting models as project requirements evolve. Developing strong problem-solving skills and maintaining clear communication with team members and clients are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering successful simulation outcomes.

What is a simulation specialist?

A simulation specialist is a professional who designs, develops, and manages simulated environments for training, research, or analysis purposes. They often work in industries such as healthcare, aviation, engineering, or the military to create realistic scenarios that help people practice skills or test systems without real-world risks. Simulation specialists use advanced technology and software to create these interactive models, ensuring they accurately replicate real-life situations.

What is the average salary for a simulation engineer?

The average salary for a simulation engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with advanced skills in modeling software and programming languages like MATLAB or C++ tend to earn higher salaries. Certifications and working in specialized sectors such as aerospace or automotive can also influence compensation.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

High-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions in large corporations can earn over $1 million annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Successful entrepreneurs, hedge fund managers, and top-tier investment bankers may also reach this income level, typically requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibility.

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

To thrive as a Simulation Specialist, you typically need a background in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Expertise in simulation software such as MATLAB, Simulink, or ANSYS, and familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and conveying complex results. These skills and qualifications are crucial for building accurate models, troubleshooting issues, and delivering reliable simulations that inform decision-making.
What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation jobs in California? The most popular types of Simulation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Simulation jobs? Cities in California with the most Simulation job openings:
Simulation jobs near you

Simulation Engineer

Humble Robotics

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Humble Robotics 

Working at Humble Robotics means taking on the biggest change in ground transportation in decades. We’re building an autonomous, zero-emissions hauler that dramatically lowers the cost of freight with groundbreaking vision-based AI, designed for today’s global logistics network.

We’re a fast-moving, close-knit team of AV industry veterans and innovative thinkers. We don’t believe culture can be engineered – but when it falls into place, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Progress has never felt so present.

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, synthetic data generation, and sensor simulation. This work will work heavily with modern neural rendering approaches: Gaussian splatting, world models, and learned sensor models.

We’re a small team early in the build. You’ll have real influence over both what we build and how we build it.

Key Responsibilities
  • Build and maintain Python pipelines and tooling for closed-loop testing and synthetic data generation
  • Integrate modern neural rendering techniques into our sensor simulation stack (e.g., Gaussian splatting, NeRFs, world models)
  • Expand and maintain the scenario library and benchmark suite used to evaluate perception, planning, and control
  • Develop synthetic data generation workflows, including scenario and agent behavior generation, to support model training
  • Work closely with ML and autonomy engineers to measure and reduce sim-to-real gaps, ensuring simulation reflects real-world behavior
Minimum Qualifications
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field—or equivalent industry experience
  • Strong proficiency in Python (primary language of the simulation stack)
  • Experience working with simulation systems, ideally in robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other high-fidelity domains
  • Eligible to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with neural rendering or generative simulation (e.g., Gaussian splatting, NeRFs, world models, diffusion-based methods)
  • Depth in one or more areas of simulation: closed-loop testing, scenario design, log replay, or sensor simulation
  • Experience building benchmarks or evaluation frameworks used across a team
  • Experience developing synthetic data pipelines that improved downstream model performance
  • Familiarity with real-time robotic systems and their constraints on simulation fidelity
  • Comfortable working on a small team with high ownership and fast iteration cycles
Compensation
This role is eligible for base salary \+ benefits \+ equity compensation. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including qualifications, skills, experience, and location.
Additional Information

As part of the interview process, we may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to compare your qualifications and experience to the job description. A human reviews all AI output and makes a final hiring decision. Humble Robotics does not rely on the output to make any employment decisions. Some applicants may have a legal right to opt-out of the use of AI as part of our interview process. Contact **legal@humblerobotics.ai** to exercise this right or if you have further questions on the use of AI tools in our hiring process.

Humble Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law. Humble Robotics will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with local ordinances.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.