Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects

Cupertino Until 9/22/2026 4+ years exp First posted July 24, 2026 Last posted July 24, 2026
Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.

Description

As as Senior Simulation Animation Engineer you will have an opportunity to be part of an innovation-focused organization within Apple that is developing simulations and generating synthetic data. You will be able to work on highly ambitious and impactful simulation projects. This team has a strong focus on enabling AIML-based features and products. Our ideal team member brings experience but is also fearless when it comes to trying new things and is willing to iterate on ideas. We value team members who can quickly prototype, iterating all the way to high-quality implementations. Moreover, we value team members who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

4 years of professional experience.

Strong proficiency in C++ and solid software engineering fundamentals.

Knowledge of animation principles, skeletal animation, and character rigging concepts.

Experience implementing animation graphs, blend systems, runtime animation retargeting, and IK solvers.

Familiarity with profiling, optimization, and debugging in a real-time environment.

Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with animators, designers, and engineers.

Experience with a major game engine.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with USD format and tools, especially for animation

Experience in video game real time animation systems

Experience with offline animation and rendering pipelines

Experience with hair and cloth simulations

About this role

Summary

Develop simulations, generate synthetic data, and build AIML-based animation features.

Job title

Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects

Experience level

4+ years

Minimum experience

4+ years exp

Industry

software

Location requirements

Must be located in Cupertino, no remote work allowed.

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

C++software engineeringanimation principlesskeletal animationcharacter rigginganimation graphsblend systemsruntime animation retargetingIK solversprofilingoptimizationdebugginggame engine

Preferred skills

USD format toolsvideo game animation systemsoffline animationrendering pipelineshair and cloth simulations

Specializations

animationsimulationC++rigginganimation systems
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Cupertino, CA, USA

On-site City