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Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

OpenAI

Simulation Applications Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$230K - $385K/yr

About the Role We are hiring a Sim Application Engineer to turn simulation systems into reliable, automated, production-quality pipelines that power model training, evaluation, and hardware-in-the ...

Eridu AI

Network Simulation Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

Simulate communication patterns of distributed AI workloads (e.g., LLMs, DLRMs) across diverse network topologies to analyze performance and scalability. * Drive Architecture Optimization: Work with ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer, Simulation

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SIMULATION As a software engineer on the NDE & Materials Software team, you will develop, improve, and advance our in-house multiphysics simulation engine-currently supporting high ...

General Matter

Simulation Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Simulation Software Engineer We are seeking a Simulation Software Engineer to design and build high-fidelity simulators to perform critical physics and hardware system modeling. You will work closely ...

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 ...

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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 Jun 18, 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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of simulation, senior roles such as simulation engineers, technical directors, or lead developers in industries like aerospace, defense, or software often reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in programming and modeling, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions in related fields such as data science or software architecture can also achieve this salary level with specialized expertise and certifications.

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 utilize simulation tools and software to model real-world systems, improve processes, and enhance training effectiveness.

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 jobs make 10,000 a month without a degree?

In simulation-related fields, high-paying roles such as freelance 3D modelers, game developers, or virtual environment designers can earn $10,000 or more monthly through project-based work or contracts. Success in these roles typically requires strong skills in software like Unity or Unreal Engine, a robust portfolio, and self-marketing, as they often operate independently or as consultants without formal degrees.

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the simulation field, senior roles such as simulation engineers, technical directors, or specialized consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in modeling and software tools, and leadership responsibilities. These high salaries are often found in industries like aerospace, defense, or large technology firms where complex simulations are critical. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,716 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Senior Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Singularity Defense Corp.

Gardena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the Company:
We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and several Silicon Valley firms. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.
Job Overview:
As a GNC Engineer focused on Simulations, you will lead the development of high-fidelity physics-based simulations for end-to-end missile flight and guidance validation. These simulations serve as a digital proving ground for our flight software, autonomy stack, and control systems-enabling us to iterate rapidly and validate in silico what would otherwise require expensive, slow, or impossible real-world testi
ng.You'll own simulation architecture, real-time physics integration, and testbed development. If you're comfortable writing performant simulation code in Rust and Python, and you're looking to do impactful work on a system that must work the first time, this is your chan
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design high-performance 6-DOF flight and physics simulations
  • Build simulation components that replicate real-world dynamics and sensor behavior
  • Integrate guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) logic into full-stack simulations
  • Develop Monte Carlo, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), and closed-loop test infrastructure
  • Collaborate closely with flight software, autonomy, and hardware teams to ensure simulation fidelity matches real-world constraints.
  • Create tooling to support scenario authoring, data visualization, and performance analysis.
  • Own simulation pipeline performance and determinism across a wide range of conditions.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field
  • 7+ years of experience building simulations or numerical modeling frameworks
  • Proficient in Rust and Python for performance-critical and test-driven development
  • Understanding of rigid body dynamics, kinematics, numerical integration, and physics
  • Experience building tools for flight dynamics, aerospace simulation, or autonomous systems
  • Proficiency with compiled (e.g. C++, Rust) and scripted (e.g. Python) languages

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Monte Carlo testing, sensor emulation, and closed-loop control validation
  • Familiarity with real-time systems, latency-sensitive architectures, or distributed simulation
  • Experience deploying or validating autonomous systems (missiles, drones, satellites, or vehicles)
  • Familiarity with Rust game engines or physics libraries (e.g., Rapier, Bevy)
  • Exposure to 3D rendering for simulation visualization (e.g., WebGL, OpenGL, Three.js)
  • Contributions to aerospace open source or simulation frameworks (e.g., JSBSim, Gazebo)

Itar Requirements
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR

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