Simulation Expert: Real-to-Sim 3D Environments & Assets

What you'll do

You turn real things into simulated ones. The ad describes building 3D assets and environments in a robotics or physics simulator, matching each real object's geometry, scale and material, and then tuning the physical parameters (mass, friction, collision properties, joint dynamics) so it behaves the way the real one does.

The project is a customer's, described as advanced simulation for AI training. The ad does not name the customer or the end use, but real-to-sim work of this kind usually feeds robot learning: a policy trained in simulation only transfers to hardware if the simulated world is close enough to the real one, and the gap between them is exactly what you are being hired to close. That is why the ad stresses troubleshooting the differences between simulated and real behaviour, and validating your environments with scientists and subject-matter experts. Expect the work to involve lab instruments or other objects you have not modelled before, with someone on the other side checking your result against reality.

Who fits

• Hands-on experience with at least one robotics or physics simulator: Isaac Sim, Gazebo, MuJoCo, Unity, Unreal, PyBullet or similar
• A background in 3D modelling, CAD or environment design
• A working understanding of physics simulation: rigid body dynamics, materials and sensors
• Comfort working with scientific and technical stakeholders
• Close attention to real-world fidelity

No prior AI experience is required. Game-engine people (Unity, Unreal) are explicitly in scope, but the physics side matters: an artist who only builds visual assets will find the parameter tuning the harder half of the job.

What it pays

$60–150 per hour, micro1's published range. The ad does not say what places you within that band, how many hours are available each week, or how payment is made.

Worth knowing

Good:

• A wide accepted toolset, from robotics simulators to game engines
• No AI background needed; simulator experience is the qualification
• A high ceiling for 3D and simulation skills
• Remote contract

Less good:

• Only 5 openings
• The band is two and a half times wide, with no stated basis for placement
• No hours, project length, schedule or payment terms are given
• The customer and the purpose of the simulations are not named

About this listing

Posted by micro1 on 3 October 2026 as a remote contractor role with 5 openings. The pay range, toolset and requirements come from the ad. micro1 posted this role twice with identical text on the same day; this page covers it once. No country restriction is stated. See micro1.