Simulation Realism Engineer

Details

Our Robotics team is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing towards AGI‑level intelligence in dynamic, real‑world settings. Working across the entire model stack, we integrate cutting‑edge hardware and software to explore a broad range of robotic form factors. We strive to seamlessly blend high‑level AI capabilities with the constraints of physical systems to improve people’s lives.

About the role

We are hiring a Simulation Realism Engineer to drive our effort to make simulation quantitatively real for robotics research and product development. This role owns the strategy, tooling and operational practice that close sim→real gaps across physics, sensors and rendering. You will work cross‑functionally with research, software, hardware and ops to discover the highest‑impact realism gaps, define measurable realism metrics, and deliver engineering solutions — from tuning engine parameters and asset standards to integrating third‑party engines and operating sims at scale. This is a hands‑on engineering role that blends scientific rigor (measurement & validation) with pragmatic systems work (tooling, cloud ops, and CI/HIL pipelines).

This role is based in San Francisco, CA. This role will require 4 days in the office per week and offers relocation assistance to new employees.

Responsibilities

• Define and operationalize realism metrics & protocols. Design experiments and automated tests to find specific areas of non‑realism, quantify gaps, and track regressions over time.
• Fine‑tune engine parameters (contacts, friction, mass/density, solver settings) and object models so simulated dynamics match measured reality.
• Evaluate, integrate, and — where necessary — extend third‑party physics, rendering, and sensor simulation engines (e.g., Isaac, PhysX, MuJoCo, Newton, GPU video renderers or sensor sim frameworks). Lead vendor POCs and benchmark features to influence roadmaps.
• Create standards, guidelines, and interactive tools for authoring and validating asset physical/visual properties; implement semi‑ or fully‑automated pipelines to tune and optimize assets for target engines.
• Solve technical issues for running engines in the cloud (OS, drivers, GPU), parallelize simulations (batching many runs per engine instance), and harden real‑world‑facing pipelines so sims can run reliably at scale.
• Own validation campaigns (teleop, HIL regression suites, metric computation) and partner with research to close the loop between simulation improvements and downstream model performance.
• Document and scale best practices. Produce ergonomic templates, docs, and standards so dozens of engineers and researchers can author realistic tasks and assets quickly.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Strong mathematical & physics background — rigid/soft‑body dynamics, contact mechanics, or FEA — and comfortable reasoning about solvers and numerical stability.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one or two production physics engines and sensor/render stacks (MuJoCo, PhysX, Isaac Sim, Newton, GPU renderers, or equivalent), and ability to measure/interpret their failure modes.
• Comfortable working across the sim stack: CAD/asset import, collision/visual mesh tradeoffs, contact tuning, real‑time loading, and rendering pipelines.
• Experience leading projects that bridge sim and robotics (teleoperation data collection, hardware‑in‑the‑loop regression tests, digital twin efforts, etc.).
• Experience building robust tools and processes — CI for sims, asset validation pipelines, or distributed GPU workloads — and care about documentation and ergonomics.
• Ability to collaborate broadly with researchers, software/hardware engineers, and vendors.

Benefits and additional information

• Base pay range: $325,000 – $405,000 (range may vary by location, experience, and other factors). Offers equity and additional compensation components.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to HSA; pre‑tax FSAs; 401(k) with match; generous parental and caregiver leave; paid time off and holidays; mental health and wellness support; annual learning stipend; daily office meals and meal delivery credits (as eligible).
• Relocation support for eligible employees is provided.
• Background checks will be administered in accordance with applicable law. OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general‑purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of AI capabilities and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. Join us in shaping the future of technology.