Robotics Simulation Engineer

h3About The Role /h3 pWhat if the physics simulations you build could teach the next generation of robots how to walk, grasp, and navigate the real world? We're looking for Robotics Simulation Engineers in Zurich to design, build, and optimize high-fidelity physical simulations that bridge the gap between virtual environments and real-world robotic systems. /p pZurich is home to ETH Zurich and a world-leading concentration of robotics research talent. If you're part of this community — or have been shaped by it — and you're looking for flexible, high-impact contract work, this role is for you. /p pYou'll work at the intersection of robotics, physics, and software engineering — creating simulation pipelines that power robot learning, controls development, and hardware validation. /p pThis is a fully remote, flexible contract role. No corporate red tape — just meaningful, technical work on problems that matter. /p ul liType: Hourly Contract /li liLocation: Remote /li liCommitment: 10–40 hours/week /li /ul h3What You'll Do /h3 ul liDesign and implement high-fidelity robot models (URDF/MJCF) with accurate kinematics, dynamics, and contact properties /li liBuild and maintain simulation environments using MuJoCo, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, and/or Gazebo /li liDevelop end-to-end simulation pipelines for robot training, testing, and validation /li liTune physics parameters — friction, damping, inertia, actuator models — to maximize sim-to-real transfer /li liIntegrate simulations with ROS2 for perception, planning, and control workflows /li liWrite clean, performant code in Python and/or C++ to support simulation infrastructure /li liCollaborate asynchronously with robotics researchers and engineers on model accuracy and environment design /li liProfile and optimize simulation performance for large-scale or parallelized runs /li liDocument simulation configurations, model parameters, and pipeline architecture /li /ul h3Who You Are /h3 ul liStrong hands-on experience with at least one major robotics simulator: MuJoCo, NVIDIA Isaac Sim, or Gazebo /li liProficient in Python and/or C++ in a robotics or scientific computing context /li liSolid understanding of rigid-body dynamics, contact mechanics, and control theory /li liExperience creating and validating robot models (URDF, MJCF, or SDF formats) /li liFamiliarity with ROS2 and its integration with simulation environments /li liComfortable working with simulation pipelines — from environment setup to data collection and evaluation /li liSelf-directed, detail-oriented, and effective when working independently /li liStrong problem-solving instincts and a drive to close the sim-to-real gap /li /ul h3Nice to Have /h3 ul liExperience with domain randomization, sim-to-real transfer techniques, or reinforcement learning in simulation /li liFamiliarity with GPU-accelerated simulation (e.g., Isaac Gym, MuJoCo MJX) /li liBackground in legged locomotion, manipulation, or multi-body systems /li liExperience with CI/CD for simulation testing and automated validation /li liKnowledge of sensor simulation — cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, force/torque sensors /li liContributions to open-source robotics or simulation projects /li liGraduate-level coursework or research in robotics, controls, or computational physics /li /ul h3Why Join Us /h3 ul liWork on cutting-edge robotics simulation projects that directly impact how robots learn and perform /li liFully remote and flexible — work when and where you're most productive /li liFreelance autonomy with technically challenging, meaningful work /li liCollaborate with a global community of robotics and AI professionals /li liGain exposure to state-of-the-art simulation frameworks and research-grade problems /li liPotential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch /li /ul #J-18808-Ljbffr