Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy - Simulation, Vehicle Dynamics Modeling

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and validate both physics-based and data driven models of vehicle motion, including drive, steer, braking, and load-handling behaviors.
• Integrate externally developed models - exported via FMU or equivalent standards - into Cyngn simulation environments.
• Model contact interactions between the vehicle and the environment, including pallet engagement, ramp handling, and frictional effects.
• Tune dynamic parameters to match real-world vehicle responses using log data and system identification techniques.
• Build tools to assess performance and identify simulation realism gaps across large datasets.
• Partner with Simulation Infrastructure engineers to expose modeling components via robust APIs, configuration systems, and test frameworks.

Qualifications

• M.S/PhD with a focus in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, a related technical field, and/or equivalent practical background.
• 3+ years of experience contributing to the simulation of robotics or automotive systems with a focus on vehicle dynamics modeling.
• 3+ years writing C++ and Python software in production environments (architecture, design, testing, performance optimization, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to integrate and validate externally authored dynamics models (e.g., FMUs or equivalent) into simulation environments.
• Solid understanding of multi-body dynamics, control theory, robotic system architecture, and autonomous vehicle behavior analysis.
• Strong written & verbal communication skills with a proven track record of delivering production quality software in a collaborative, cross-functional team setting.
• Comfortable with modern software development tools and workflows, including version control (Git) and project management platforms (e.g. Jira)

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience using MapleSim for developing Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs) for model exchange and co-simulation
• Familiarity with NVIDIA Omniverse/IsaacSim for simulating robotic systems, applications, and complex environments.
• Proficiency using ROS in production robotics applications with exposure to ROS2 and/or other publish/subscribe middleware architectures.
• Strong understanding of theoretical concepts in classical and/or data-driven AI methods for perception and behavior in autonomous systems.
• Exposure to industrial material handling autonomous vehicles including forklifts and tuggers with cart-trains under dynamic loading conditions.

Benefits & Perks

• Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA and FSA (Health & Dependent Daycare), Employee Assistance Program, 1:1 Health Concierge)
• Life, Short-term and long-term disability insurance (Cyngn funds 100% of premiums)
• Company 401(k)
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible vacation policy
• Sabbatical leave opportunity after 5 years with the company
• Paid Parental Leave
• Daily lunches for in-office employees