Software Engineer - Simulation

Searchability Aerospace & Defense; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity

On-site collaboration

Job summary

An innovative technology company in California is seeking a Robotics Simulation Engineer to design and maintain high-fidelity simulation environments for autonomous surface vehicles. Responsibilities include modeling vessel dynamics and developing sensor models. The ideal candidate will have 1–3+ years of experience in robotics simulation, strong proficiency in C++ and Python, and hands-on experience with ROS2. This role offers a competitive salary and equity, along with the chance to work on cutting-edge autonomous systems.

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years’ experience in robotics simulation or autonomy testing.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Hands-on experience with ROS2.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain high-fidelity simulation environments.
• Model vessel dynamics for realistic testing.
• Develop simulated sensor models including sonar and radar.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux-based systems

Robotics simulation

Autonomy testing

ROS2

Tools

Gazebo

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

We’re an early-stage deep-tech company building autonomous platforms for real-world inspection. Our systems combine robotics, advanced sensing, and software to operate reliably in complex maritime environments. We’re expanding our simulation capability to accelerate autonomy development and reduce risk across real-world deployments.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, implement, and maintain high-fidelity simulation environments for autonomous surface vehicles
• Model vessel dynamics and environmental effects to support realistic testing
• Develop and refine simulated sensor models including sonar, vision, radar, GPS, and IMU
• Build and maintain ROS2-based interfaces between simulation and the autonomy stack
• Create tools for scenario definition, automated test generation, and batch simulation runs
• Enable side-by-side analysis of simulated and real-world runs using logging, visualization, and playback tooling
• Use data from field trials to validate and improve simulation accuracy
• Work closely with autonomy, perception, and systems engineers to ensure simulation is a trusted, day-to-day development tool

You Should Have:

• 1–3+ years’ experience in robotics simulation, autonomy testing, or related software development
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python on Linux-based systems
• Hands‑on experience with ROS2 and robotics middleware
• Comfort working across simulation, autonomy, and real‑world data
• A practical mindset for debugging and improving complex system behavior

Bonus:

• Experience with Gazebo / Ignition, Webots, Unity, or Unreal Engine
• Background in robotics, autonomous vehicles, or maritime systems
• Experience validating simulation against real‑world data
• Early‑stage startup experience or comfort working with high ownership and ambiguity

Why Join Us:

• Competitive salary plus meaningful equity
• Work on autonomous systems deployed in real operational environments
• Small, fast‑moving engineering team with real technical ownership
• On‑site collaboration solving complex robotics and simulation challenges

Apply:

Email [e-mail] for a confidential discussion. Exceptional candidates from unconventional or non‑traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Keywords:

Simulation Engineering, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, ROS2, C++, Python, Gazebo, Sensor Simulation, Autonomy Testing, Marine Robotics