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Senior Robotics Simulation Software Engineer - Special Projects

Yesterday Cupertino, CA

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something.

As an engineer in the Special Projects group, you will have an opportunity to be part of an innovation-focused organization within Apple that is exploring overlapping space between simulation and AI/ML. You will be able to work on highly ambitious, high-reward, and impactful projects in the early stages of development. This team has a strong focus on shipping simulation technology in service of AI/ML projects. We use both traditional and generative AI techniques in simulation. Our ideal team member is fearless when it comes to trying new things and is willing to iterate on ideas. We value team members who can quickly prototype, iterating all the way to high-quality implementations. Moreover, we value team members who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.

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Description

As a member of this team, you will use your background to:

Develop the core simulation engine with emphasis on robotics and physics simulation

Integrate simulation software with robotics algorithms

Design, implement and integrate sensor simulation and dynamics modeling for realistic robot simulation

Develop sim-to-real transfer techniques to bridge the gap between simulated and real-world robot behavior

Profile and optimize simulation engine for high-throughput RL training workloads

Design and implement reinforcement learning environments and training pipelines for robotic systems

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with GPU-accelerated simulation and parallel RL training

Experience with robot learning frameworks (e.g., Stable Baselines, RLlib, or custom implementations)

Experience with GPU based computing

Experience with sensor simulation

Experience with traditional and ML-based simulation and rendering systems

Experience with 3D rendering engine internals: geometry pipelines, shaders, materials, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Strong C++ development experience and Python experience

Strong software engineering skills and practices in terms of performance and code quality

Solid background in robotics fundamentals: perception, planning, kinematics, dynamics, control systems

Familiarity with reinforcement learning, including policy optimization, model-based RL, and sim-to-real techniques

Experience with physics simulation engines (e.g., MuJoCo, Isaac Sim, PyBullet, or similar)

Excellent collaboration skills: strong verbal and written communication skills.

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field, or 3+ years of equivalent experience.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant .

Pay & Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $147,400 and $272,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Client-provided location(s): Cupertino, CA
Job ID: apple-200648955-0836_rxr-661
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2026-03-03T19:38:22

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Parental Benefits

      • Work Flexibility

        • Office Life and Perks

          • Vacation and Time Off

            • Financial and Retirement

              • Professional Development

                • Diversity and Inclusion

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