STEM OPT Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs
Senior Simulation Engineer roles in aerospace, automotive, and defense align directly with STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 24 additional months of work authorization after your initial OPT year. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your STEM degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related field qualifies you to apply.
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Get Access To All JobsApple 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Senior Simulation Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT extension depends on your degree's CIP code appearing on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Engineering and computer science codes typically qualify, but applied mathematics or physics variants may not. Confirm with your DSO before targeting simulation roles.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
STEM OPT requires your employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Use the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before investing time in an application. Defense contractors and aerospace firms almost universally participate, making them reliable targets.
Align your training plan to simulation-specific competencies
Your I-983 training plan must tie learning objectives to your job duties. For Senior Simulation Engineers, map plan goals to specific skills such as finite element analysis, real-time simulation, or model-based systems engineering rather than generic engineering language, which strengthens DSO approval.
Check prevailing wage levels using OFLC Wage Search
Employers sponsoring STEM OPT workers must pay at least the prevailing wage for your occupation and location. Run your SOC code through OFLC Wage Search before negotiating an offer so you know the wage floor and can identify whether an offer meets DOL requirements.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify-enrolled employers
Targeting the right employers is faster when you can filter by E-Verify status and role type simultaneously. Migrate Mate surfaces simulation engineering roles at employers already enrolled in E-Verify, cutting the manual verification step out of your search entirely.
Request the 60-day job search period strategically
If your simulation engineering position ends unexpectedly, USCIS allows a single 60-day unemployment window during your STEM OPT extension. Notify your DSO immediately when employment ends so your authorized unemployment period starts correctly and you don't lose days through delayed reporting.
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Find Senior Simulation Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Simulation Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree falls under a DHS-designated STEM CIP code and the role directly applies that training. Simulation engineering positions in aerospace, automotive, defense, and semiconductor industries routinely qualify because they require specialized engineering or computer science degrees. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO and verify that your job duties map to your degree field before submitting the STEM OPT extension application to USCIS.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a simulation engineering role?
The I-983 must document specific learning objectives tied to your actual duties as a Senior Simulation Engineer. Generic descriptions won't satisfy USCIS requirements. Include technical goals such as developing physics-based simulation models, validating real-time systems, or applying finite element methods. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension is authorized. Both parties must also submit a six-month evaluation during the extension period.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer?
Use the official E-Verify employer search tool to look up your prospective employer by company name or location. Enrollment status must be active, not simply registered or expired. Many defense and aerospace contractors maintain continuous E-Verify enrollment due to federal contracting requirements, but smaller simulation software firms may not. If a company isn't enrolled, they can't legally employ you on STEM OPT, and enrolling takes additional time that can delay your start date.
How does cap-gap protection apply if I'm on STEM OPT and get selected in the H-1B lottery?
If your STEM OPT end date falls before October 1 of the fiscal year your H-1B petition targets, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization and F-1 status until your H-1B status begins. Your employer doesn't need to take additional action beyond having filed a timely H-1B petition. USCIS issues updated guidance each lottery cycle, so confirm current cap-gap rules with your DSO after selection results are announced.
Where can I find Senior Simulation Engineer jobs at employers who support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Senior Simulation Engineer openings filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment and visa sponsorship history, so you're not sorting through companies that can't hire you on STEM OPT. You can also cross-reference the O*NET occupation profile for this role to identify related job titles and industries where simulation engineering demand is highest, then target your applications accordingly.
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