Staff Software Engineer - AMR Robot Simulation

General Motors Company; Center (IN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Robot Simulation Engineer to develop advanced simulation environments that support the development, testing, and validation of autonomous robotic systems.

In this role, you will build 2D and 3D simulators, create realistic testing scenarios, integrate robot software with simulation platforms, and enable teams to safely evaluate functionality and behavior before real‑world deployment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in robotics, computer science, electrical or mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Experience with simulation platforms such as NVIDIA Isaac Sim or Gazebo.
• Knowledge of physics engines (PhysX/Bullet/ODE) or 3D game engines (Unity/Unreal) used for robotic simulation.
• Familiarity with ROS 2 or other robotics middleware.
• Understanding of localization, mapping, and planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance 2D and 3D simulation platforms for testing, validation, and performance analysis of autonomous robotic systems.
• Create and maintain simulation scenarios representing real-world use cases and edge conditions.
• Integrate robot navigation software with simulation platforms.
• Support debugging and testing of robot behavior in simulated environments.
• Analyze simulation results to identify software and system issues.
• Develop regression and progression testing workflows for simulation-based validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve simulation capabilities and validation processes.

Skills

Python

C++

ROS 2

Robotics theory

Testing & validation

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Robotics/CS/EE/ME

Tools

NVIDIA Isaac Sim

Gazebo

PhysX

Bullet

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard—from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard—from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we work to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected—shaping the future of transportation on a global scale. The Robotics Software team is pioneering the next generation of autonomous robotic systems, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and intelligent robotic platforms. We develop full-stack robotics capabilities—from perception and planning to control and system integration—to deliver innovative, real-world autonomous solutions for the future of work.

About The Role

We are seeking a Robot Simulation Engineer to develop advanced simulation environments that support the development, testing, and validation of autonomous robotic systems.

In this role, you will build 2D and 3D simulators, create realistic testing scenarios, integrate robot software with simulation platforms, and enable teams to safely evaluate functionality and behavior before real-world deployment. You will collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy and artificial intelligence experts to support system-level validation and continuously improve system robustness and testing workflows.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and enhance 2D and 3D simulation platforms for testing, validation, and performance analysis of autonomous robotic systems.
• Create and maintain simulation scenarios representing real-world use cases and edge conditions.
• Integrate robot navigation software with simulation platforms.
• Support debugging and testing of robot behavior in simulated environments.
• Analyze simulation results to identify software and system issues.
• Develop regression and progression testing workflows for simulation-based validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve simulation capabilities and validation processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in robotics, computer science, electrical or mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Experience with simulation platforms such as NVIDIA Isaac Sim or Gazebo.
• Knowledge of physics engines, such as PhysX, Bullet, or ODE, or 3D game engines, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, used for robotic simulation.
• Familiarity with ROS 2 or other robotics middleware.
• Understanding of core robotics modules, including localization, mapping, and planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with simulation tools and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for simulation-based regression or performance testing.
• Experience with cloud-based simulation systems.
• Experience integrating autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), or industrial automation systems.

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we’re looking out for your well‑being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.