We are seeking a talented Applied Scientist to join our advanced robotics team, focusing on developing and applying cutting-edge simulation methodologies for advanced robotics systems. This role centers on research and development of physics-based simulation techniques, sim-to-real transfer methods, and machine learning approaches that enable rapid development, testing, and validation of robotic systems operating in complex, real-world environments.
Key job responsibilities
- Advance physics-based simulation fidelity for contact-rich manipulation and locomotion
- Design and build high-performance simulation tools integrated into a robotics design stack
- Translate research ideas into robust, verifiable data
- Develop methods to quantify and reduce simulation-to-reality gaps across design, safety, and control
- Architect scalable simulation solutions for rigid and deformable body dynamics
- Build simulation pipelines optimized for a digital twin level of fidelity
- Establish frameworks for continuous simulation improvement using real-world hardware
- Collaborate with engineering, science, and safety teams on simulation requirements and validation
About the team
Our team is building a comprehensive robot simulation and modeling platform for advanced robotics development, combining locomotion and manipulation capabilities. We operate at the cutting edge of physics simulation, reinforcement learning, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and sim-to-real transfer, collaborating with world-class robotics engineers, scientists, and mechanical designers in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
This role uniquely combines fundamental research with real-world development. You will pursue core research questions in physics-based simulation while seeing your work translated into real robots, validated on real hardware. Working alongside Robot scientist and designers, you will help transform research ideas into scalable, quantifiable simulation capabilities that directly impact how robots are designed and built.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD in computer science, computer engineering, or related field
- 2+ years of science, technology, engineering or related field experience
- Deep expertise in physics-based simulation, including rigid and deformable dynamics, contact mechanics, computational geometry, and numerical methods
- Experience designing and optimizing physics-based simulation systems for high-performance and large-scale computing environments
- Strong programming skills in C++ and Python, with an emphasis on maintainable, performance-critical code
- Working knowledge of modern physics engines such as MuJoCo, Isaac Lab, Drake, and Newton
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with reinforcement learning and policy training in simulation
- Familiarity with differentiable physics, learned simulation models, or neural physics engines
- Background in contact-rich manipulation or legged locomotion simulation
- Experience with robotics model formats and pipelines (e.g., URDF, SDF, USD)
- Expertise in GPU-accelerated computing and algorithms
- Experience deploying simulation-trained policies on real robotic systems
- Demonstrated research leadership, from project conception through publication and deployment
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, Sunnyvale - 171,600.00 - 222,200.00 USD annually
USA, MA, N.Reading - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually
