Sr. Software Development Engineer- Simulation, Frontier AI Robotics

Senior • On-site

$151,300 - $261,500/yr

San Francisco, CA

DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a Simulation Engineer to join our AI robotics research team developing foundation models for robotics. You will rapidly develop 3D physics-based simulation frameworks and tools alongside scientists to enable training large-scale machine learning models.
* Develop simulations for reinforcement learning, closed-loop simulations and synthetic data generation

Key job responsibilities
* Develop simulations for reinforcement learning, closed-loop simulations and synthetic data generation
* Implement essential robotics features, including accurate modeling of sensors, actuators, and controllers
* Build real-to-sim workflows for dynamic environments and robotics tasks
* Implement simulation features to minimize sim-to-real gaps through domain randomization and system identification
* Create asset toolchains supporting industry-standard formats (URDF, MJCF, USD)
* Collaborate closely with a team of ML researchers to enable large-scale robotics training pipelines

About the team
At Frontier AI & Robotics, we're not just advancing robotics – we're reimagining it from the ground up. Our team is building the future of intelligent robotics through frontier foundation models and end-to-end learned systems. We tackle some of the most challenging problems in AI and robotics, from developing sophisticated perception systems to creating adaptive manipulation strategies that work in complex, real-world scenarios.

What sets us apart is our unique combination of ambitious research vision and practical impact. We leverage Amazon's massive computational infrastructure and rich real-world datasets to train and deploy state-of-the-art foundation models. Our work spans the full spectrum of robotics intelligence – from multimodal perception using images, videos, and sensor data, to sophisticated manipulation strategies that can handle diverse real-world scenarios. We're building systems that don't just work in the lab, but scale to meet the demands of Amazon's global operations.

Join us if you're excited about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotics, working with world-class researchers, and seeing your innovations deployed at unprecedented scale.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 5+ years of programming with at least one software programming language experience
- 5+ years of leading design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
- Strong software engineering experience in 3D domains (games, simulation, robotics, etc)
- Extensive experience in physics simulation, with a preference for expertise in rigid body simulation
- Experience with Isaac Sim, Unity, Unreal or proprietary 3D game engine, or industry-equivalent technology (3D animation, simulation, etc)
- Understanding of 3D graphics and real-time rendering applications
- Passion for your craft and demonstrated excellence in physics simulation engineering
- Proficiency in Python and C++

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- 5+ years of full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
- Experience with physical robots, reinforcement learning, synthetic data generation
- Experience optimizing physics simulation for articulated robots and rigid body interactions
- Familiarity with modern ML frameworks like PyTorch
- Familiarity with 3D formats (URDF, MJCF, USD)
- Familiarity with 3D content creation tools (e.g, Blender, Houdini)
- Experience implementing techniques from research papers

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $151,300/year in our lowest geographic market up to $261,500/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.

Amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos in the cozy confines of his Seattle garage, Amazon.com, Inc. quickly evolved from a humble online bookstore to a colossal e-commerce powerhouse. Today, it offers an extensive range of products from DVDs and electronics to furniture and groceries. With a global footprint that spans continents—from Canada and the UK to Japan and Brazil—Amazon's presence is truly international. The company has not only diversified into various domains, including acquiring Twitch in 2014 and venturing into the film industry in 2015, but also introduced initiatives like the brand registry program to safeguard intellectual property. Despite the hurdles of labor relations and competitive practices, Amazon remains a dominant force in the global e-commerce landscape.