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Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 +1

$142K - $235K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

$142K - $235K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Toyota Research Institute

Senior Simulation Engineer

Los Altos, CA · On-site

$180K - $258K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Senior Simulation Engineer to lead the development of sensor and system-level simulation workflows that support both closed-loop validation and synthetic data generation for training.

Toyota Research Institute

Senior Simulation Engineer

Los Altos, CA · On-site

$180K - $258K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Senior Simulation Engineer to lead the development of sensor and system-level simulation workflows that support both closed-loop validation and synthetic data generation for training.

Freeform

Principal Simulation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Apple

Electrical Simulation CAE Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $249K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

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 ...

1X

Software Engineer - Simulation

San Carlos, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Software Engineer - Simulation to develop and maintain simulation environments that enhance robot learning while reducing reliance on physical evaluations. Responsibilities : • ...

1X

Software Engineer - Simulation

San Carlos, CA · On-site

The Software Engineer - Simulation will be responsible for developing and maintaining simulation environments and infrastructure that enhance robot learning, ensuring policies trained in simulation ...

Impulse Space

Senior Simulation Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

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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 Aug 19, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a simulation specialist?

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 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 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.

How do you become a simulation engineer?

To become a simulation engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field is required, along with strong skills in programming, modeling, and simulation software such as MATLAB or Simulink. Gaining experience through internships, certifications, or projects involving system modeling and analysis can also improve job prospects.

What careers use simulation?

Simulation is used in various careers such as aerospace engineering, healthcare training, military, automotive design, and software development. Professionals in these fields often work with specialized simulation software and may require skills in modeling, programming, or data analysis to create realistic training environments or test scenarios.

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 may work with specialized software and often need a background in science or technology.

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
Infographic showing various Simulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,716 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Lead Simulation Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on - rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
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.    
  • Work with GNC and software team stakeholders to define the architecture of Astrolab's GNC and flight software (FSW) verification simulation environment 
  • Work with GNC and software team stakeholders to determine simulation milestones and development priorities based on stakeholder needs and vehicle schedule 
  • Manage day to day simulation development to ensure the defined architecture is delivered on time to stakeholders for each agreed-upon milestone, including defining sprint priorities, assigning tasks to developers, and ensuring tasks are completed on schedule
  • Develop simulation verification and validation (V&V) plan and execute the plan to ensure that the simulation has appropriate levels of V&V for each milestone delivery to stakeholders 
  • Support development of environment, vehicle, and hardware models to ensure the right elements are modeled to the proper level of fidelity 
  • Provide significant technical support for integrating the simulation with the GNC prototype environment, vehicle FSW running in software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop modes, and with FSW test infrastructure 
Basic Qualifications: 
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience architecting and developing real-time or accelerated (faster-than-real-time) simulations of complex systems, such as spacecraft, aircraft, automobiles, robotic systems, or similar platforms. Experience must include development of vehicle and/or subsystem models, operating environment models, and simulation infrastructure
  • Experience leading simulation development efforts and integrating simulation environments with vehicle software, embedded software, or flight software running in software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), or similar testing environments
Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Experience with simulation verification and validation (V&V), Monte Carlo or statistical performance analysis, and performance optimization for real-time or accelerated simulation execution
  • Experience developing vehicle dynamics models, including rigid-body and/or flexible-body dynamics, suspension systems, terramechanics, and numerical integration techniques
  • Experience developing simulations for extraterrestrial rovers or planetary surface vehicles, including the use of relevant planetary environment models such as lunar gravity, Mars gravity, atmospheric, or terrain models
  • Experience modeling sensors, actuators, and associated error sources
  • Experience implementing fault-injection capabilities in simulation environments
  • Proficiency in C++ and Python software development
  • Experience planning work scope, establishing technical milestones, and guiding simulation teams to successful delivery
  • 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

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