Senior Design Lead

Job Summary

We are seeking a specialized CAD Technical Artist to bridge the gap between 3D visual fidelity, geometric optimization, and physical simulation accuracy. In this role, you will prepare, tune, and debug complex 3D assets and articulated mechanisms for advanced physics engines (with a heavy emphasis on MuJoCo). You will work closely with robotics researchers and simulation engineers to ensure simulated assets behave with real-world dynamic and physical fidelity.

Key Responsibilities

Physics Asset Optimization & Tuning: Debug and enhance the physical realism of assets within physics simulators (e.g., MuJoCo, Bullet, PhysX), fine-tuning parameters including contact friction, restitution/softness, mass properties, moments of inertia, and joint damping.
Articulated & Biomechanical Modeling: Design, rig, and debug complex kinematic and dynamic models (e.g., multi-fingered robotic hands, tendon-driven systems, biomechanical models) with accurate force propagation.
Mesh Processing & Geometry Cleanup: Manipulate and optimize 3D meshes both programmatically and via DCC tools (Blender, MeshLab, 3ds Max, Meshmixer)—performing convex decomposition (e.g., V-HACD), decimation/retopologizing, collision hull generation, and vertex optimization tailored for real-time physics engines.
Scene Staging & Rendering: Adjust simulation lighting, materials, shaders, cameras, and textures to achieve both visual fidelity and domain-randomization requirements for vision-based simulation tasks.
Scientific Visualization & Debugging Tools: Develop visual representations to aid in debugging and technical publications (e.g., dynamically mapping sensor contact forces, torque heatmaps, or stress distribution directly onto object surface shaders).
Format Conversion & Pipeline Integration: Maintain pipeline workflows converting assets across standard formats (URDF, MJCF, USD, STL, OBJ) while preserving kinematic hierarchies and physical attributes.

Skill Requirements

Proven experience as a Technical Artist, Simulation Engineer, or 3D Generalist working directly with physics engines (MuJoCo strongly preferred; Bullet, PhysX, Isaac Sim, or ODE).
Strong understanding of rigid-body physics, multi-body kinematics, inertia tensors, and tendon/cable dynamics.
Advanced proficiency in 3D modeling and mesh editing tools (Blender, MeshLab, 3ds Max, Meshmixer, or CAD packages like SolidWorks).
Proficiency in scripting (e.g., Python) for programmatic 3D data manipulation, automated asset pipelines, and procedural geometry processing.
Experience with simulation description formats (MJCF XML, URDF, USD).
Demonstrated skill in creating clear, data-driven visual representations (heatmaps, vector overlays, stress mapping) for complex engineering or scientific data.

Other Requirements