At a Glance
- Tasks: Design virtual worlds for AI agents navigating drones and satellites in complex environments.
- Company: SPAICE empowers satellites and drones with cutting-edge autonomy technology for real-world missions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, equity options, wellness perks, and exciting team retreats.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on space exploration and autonomous systems while collaborating with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Senior-level C++ experience, hands-on with Unreal Engine, and a passion for simulation environments.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team and work on innovative projects that shape the future of technology.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About SPAICE
SPAICE is building the autonomy operating system that empowers satellites and drones to navigate and interact with the world – regardless of the environment. From GPS-denied zones on Earth to the unexplored frontiers of space, our Spatial AI delivers unprecedented levels of autonomy, resilience, and adaptability. At SPAICE, you’ll work on real missions alongside leading aerospace and defense contractors, shaping the future of space and autonomous systems. If you’re looking for a place where your work has a real, tangible impact – SPAICE is that place.
About the Role – Software Engineer (Virtual Worlds)
Traditionally, game engines were used to build experiences for human players. In this role, you’ll design virtual worlds where the player is not a human – but an algorithm. Specifically, a Spatial AI Agent navigating satellites or drones through complex, simulated environments. As a Software Engineer (Virtual Worlds), you’ll develop high-fidelity simulations to train, test, and validate navigation algorithms across different platforms – supporting both single-vehicle and multi-agent autonomy. You’ll work closely with Aerospace Engineers, GNC experts, and AI developers to create physically accurate environments with real-world dynamics, control pipelines, and sensor perception interfaces.
What you might work on:
- Designing and developing virtual worlds for drones and satellites, both terrestrial and orbital
- Integrating real-world datasets into simulation frameworks (e.g., terrain, satellite imagery)
- Combining game engines, physics simulators, and other tools (e.g., Unreal Engine, NVIDIA Omniverse, Simulink, Gazebo)
- Building custom tools and SDKs to enable faster iteration for autonomy testing
- Interfacing simulation environments with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) setups
What we are looking for:
- Senior-level experience with C++, including development inside modern game engines
- Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine, ideally including custom plugin development or editor scripting
- A versatile, systems-oriented mindset – you’re excited about integrating new tools, SDKs, or third-party simulators and making them work together
- Ability to think in terms of physical realism, sensor models, and environment variability
- Strong understanding of simulation environments for robotics, drones, automotive, or aerospace systems
- Comfort working in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with control engineers, AI researchers, and aerospace experts
- Bonus: Familiarity with sensor simulation (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, radar) or synthetic data generation
- Bonus: Experience with ROS, Isaac Sim, AirSim, or Unity in robotics or autonomous systems contexts
Perks & Benefits:
- Competitive salary, based on your experience and impact.
- Equity options – you are going to be part of our journey from the ground up.
- Well-being perks – access to premium gyms, climbing centers, and wellness programs.
- Team retreats & offsites. The last ones included a half-marathon in Formentera and a Los Angeles retreat during the Oscars weekend.
Senior Software Engineer – Virtual Worlds employer: Golden Bees
Contact Detail:
Golden Bees Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer – Virtual Worlds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in Spatial AI and simulation technologies. Understanding how these systems work will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with industry experts, which could lead to valuable insights and potential referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with game engines like Unreal Engine by creating a small project or demo that highlights your skills. This practical demonstration can set you apart from other candidates and provide a talking point during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your collaborative experiences with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight specific projects where you worked alongside control engineers or AI researchers, as this will illustrate your ability to thrive in SPAICE's team-oriented environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer – Virtual Worlds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Software Engineer – Virtual Worlds position. Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned, such as C++, Unreal Engine, and simulation environments.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in software engineering, particularly with game engines and simulation frameworks. Emphasise any projects or roles that demonstrate your ability to work with algorithms and virtual environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for aerospace and autonomous systems. Mention specific experiences that align with SPAICE's mission and how your skills can contribute to their projects.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on projects involving simulation, robotics, or AI, be sure to include these in your application. Provide links to your portfolio or GitHub repository to give them a clear view of your capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Golden Bees
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with C++ and game engines, particularly Unreal Engine. Highlight any custom plugin development or editor scripting you've done, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Understand the Role's Unique Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the concept of virtual worlds for algorithms rather than human players. Be ready to explain how you would approach designing simulations that accurately reflect real-world dynamics and sensor perceptions.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with aerospace engineers and AI developers, be sure to share examples of successful teamwork in multidisciplinary settings. This will show your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in integrating various tools and SDKs. Think of specific scenarios where you had to troubleshoot or innovate within simulation environments.