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Simulator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DoorDash

Lead Simulation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Deep expertise in simulator internals, including: * Numerical integration methods * Rigid-body dynamics and contact modeling * Constraint solving formulations * Collision detection algorithms

DCS CORPORATION

F/A-18 Simulator Operator

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Salary Range: $70,310 - $95,400 Perform support to the F/A-18 Low-Cost Trainer Simulator at NAWCWD China Lake. Essential Job Functions Operate F/A-18 E/F & E/A-18 G Low-Cost Trainer (LCT). Calibrate ...

DensityAI

Simulation Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

... simulator's own performance * Strong software-engineering practice - testing, CI, profiling, and debugging large long-lived codebases * (Optional) gem5 / QEMU / SystemC-TLM / Spike or custom ...

Astrolab

Lead Simulation Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$142K - $235K/yr

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 ...

DensityAI

Simulation Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $360K/yr

... simulator's own performance * Strong software-engineering practice -- testing, CI, profiling, and debugging large long-lived codebases * (Optional) gem5 / QEMU / SystemC-TLM / Spike or custom ...

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 ...

Skild AI

Simulation Engineer

San Mateo, CA

You will have a dual focus: designing high-level virtual environments and enhancing low-level simulator software. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and collaborative skills, as you ...

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 ...

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All JobsSimulator JobsSimulator Jobs in California

Simulator information

See California salary details

$53.3K

$111.6K

$196.9K

How much do simulator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulator in California is $111,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $127,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are simulators and what do they do?

Simulators are professionals who design, operate, or maintain simulation systems used to replicate real-world processes or environments for training, research, or testing purposes. They work with software and hardware to create realistic scenarios in fields like aviation, healthcare, military, or engineering. Their work ensures that users can safely practice skills, test strategies, or evaluate equipment in a controlled virtual environment. This role often involves technical expertise, troubleshooting, and continual system improvements.

What is the difference between Simulator vs Pilot?

AspectSimulator
RoleSimulator
Primary FunctionProvides virtual training environments for pilots to practice procedures and scenarios without real aircraft
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or training in simulation technology
Work EnvironmentSimulation labs, training centers, or onboard aircraft for some advanced simulators
Industry UsageUsed across aviation, military, and training sectors for pilot preparation

While a Simulator is a device or system used to train pilots through virtual environments, a Pilot is a licensed professional who operates aircraft in real-world conditions. Simulators are essential tools for pilot training, but they do not replace the actual responsibilities and skills of a pilot. Both roles are interconnected, with simulators supporting pilot development and safety.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working as Simulators, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in simulator roles often face challenges such as ensuring the accuracy and realism of simulation scenarios, keeping up with rapidly evolving technology, and effectively collaborating with subject matter experts. Staying current with industry advancements and maintaining clear communication with team members are crucial to delivering high-quality, relevant simulations. Regular training and feedback sessions can help address these challenges, while a collaborative team environment supports ongoing learning and problem-solving.

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

To excel as a Simulator Technician, you need a strong background in electronics, computer systems, and mechanical troubleshooting, often supported by a technical diploma or degree. Familiarity with simulation software, control systems, and diagnostic equipment is typically required, along with certifications like CompTIA A+ or equivalent. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for addressing technical issues and supporting users. These skills ensure simulators operate reliably and safely, supporting critical training and operational objectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Simulator jobs in California? The most popular types of Simulator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Simulator jobs in California? For Simulator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Simulator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Simulator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Simulator jobs? Cities in California with the most Simulator job openings:
Simulator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Simulator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,624 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Staff Software Engineer, Simulator Evaluation

Staff Software Engineer, Simulator Evaluation

Waymo

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Waymo's simulator is one of the most complex virtual environments ever built. It blends deterministic logic, physical dynamics, and state-of-the-art Generative AI to create a training ground for the Waymo Driver. The Simulator Evaluation team faces the ultimate data challenge: How do you mathematically prove that a virtual world is "real"?

We are looking for a Staff Software Engineer to act as the Technical Architect for this domain.  You will work at the intersection of software engineering and AI, ensuring that our simulated worlds-whether driven by explicit rules or foundation models-provide a trustworthy representation of reality.

In this Staff-level role, you will report to a Senior Staff Software Engineering Manager and act as a Technical Lead, bridging the gap between deep technical metrics and high-level product strategy.

You will:

  • Architect the Eval Rubric: You will define the "Definition of Done" for simulation realism. You will look ahead at product goals (e.g., launching in snow, highway driving) and architect the evaluation roadmap that ensures our simulation fidelity matures in lockstep with onboard needs.
  • The "Critic" for the System: You will design the comprehensive mathematical frameworks that validate our hybrid world. You will decide how we balance distinct evaluation needs-from verifying logical rules and dynamics to measuring the distribution quality of generative AI models.
  • Build at Scale: You will lead the design of large-scale, extensible evaluation platforms (C++/Python). You ensure our metric pipelines are not just scripts, but robust distributed systems capable of providing clear, reproducible signals on petabytes of data.
  • Strategic, Cross-functional Leadership You will act as the technical bridge between organizations. You will partner closely with AI research and other simulation teams, as the eval workflows you build will drive rapid innovation and research roadmaps.

You have:

  • System-Level Engineering:
    • 8+ years of industry experience, with a focus on building complex data systems, evaluation platforms, or back-end infrastructure.
    • Expertise in designing systems that scale (C++, Python, distributed computing), with a strong focus on API design and maintainability.
  • Advanced Quantitative Intuition:
    • You don't just calculate metrics; you design frameworks. You can debate the merits of different statistical approaches (e.g., determining the right confidence intervals for safety-critical validation) and apply them to complex, non-deterministic systems.
    • You have experience designing and implementing evaluation frameworks for complex systems or machine learning models.
  • Product-Aware Leadership:
    • Experience creating technical strategies that span multiple teams. You can translate high-level product requirements into concrete engineering problems (e.g., "To launch in snow, we need X specific friction metrics by Q2").

We prefer:

  • Background in fields that blend code, math, and simulation: Autonomous Vehicles, Algorithmic Trading, AdTech/Search Ranking, Machine Learning, or Robotics.
  • Familiarity with the validation of Generative AI (LLMs, Diffusion models) and/or classical simulation systems (Agent-based modeling, heuristics).
  • Experience driving technical roadmaps for large-scale systems or validation frameworks.
  • Experience guiding a team or system through a major architectural shift.

Apply