At a Glance
- Tasks: Create photorealistic virtual worlds for drones and satellites, bridging real and synthetic data.
- Company: Join SPAICE, a pioneering tech company revolutionising autonomy in aerospace and defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, wellness perks, and exciting team retreats.
- Other info: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on the future of space and autonomous systems.
- Qualifications: Strong background in scene generation, C++, and modern real-time engines like Unreal Engine.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ 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 - Research Engineer (Virtual Worlds)
Traditionally, virtual worlds were built for human players. Today, we build synthetic worlds also for artificial agents: intelligent satellites and aerial robots learning to navigate, observe, and make decisions. In this role, you will create high-fidelity environments where synthetic and real data are virtually indistinguishable. You will build simulation and synthetic data pipelines that train, test, and validate the autonomy stack behind tomorrow’s missions. Your work will bridge realistic physics, sensor behaviour, and procedural world generation, while pioneering next-generation generative techniques for multimodal realism across cameras, LiDAR, radar, and beyond. As part of a deeply multidisciplinary team, you will lay the foundation of SPAICE's autonomy verification, from Software-in-the-Loop/Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation ecosystems to large-scale distributed simulations supporting thousands of coordinated agents across Earth and space.
What you might work on:
- Designing and developing photorealistic virtual worlds for drones and satellites - on Earth and in orbit
- Building generative + procedural scene generation pipelines (neural rendering, dynamic environments, materials, weather)
- Modeling multimodal sensors with realistic physics and spatial-temporal coherence (camera, IR, LiDAR, radar/RF)
- Integrating geospatial data (terrain, satellite imagery) into high-fidelity scene assets
- Combining game engines and robotics simulators (Unreal Engine, Omniverse, Gazebo, Isaac/AirSim, Simulink)
- Developing custom tools and SDKs to accelerate autonomy testing workflows
- Interfacing virtual environments with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems
What we are looking for:
- Solid background in scene generation: neural scene representations, procedural modeling, and simulation-aware environments
- Proficient with computer graphics: rendering, materials, lighting, procedural content, GPU programming or similar
- Strong experience in C++ and modern real-time engines (preferably Unreal Engine)
- Understanding of physics-based realism and sensor modeling (rendering for machine perception)
- Ability to integrate multiple tools and robotic simulators into a cohesive workflow
- Comfortable collaborating with AI, controls, and aerospace teams - research + engineering mindset combined
- 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 centres, and wellness programmes.
- Team retreats & offsites. The last ones included a half-marathon in Formentera and a Los Angeles retreat during the Oscars weekend.
Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation in London employer: SPAICE Technology Ltd.
SPAICE Technology Ltd. is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development while contributing to cutting-edge projects in aerospace and defense. With a focus on meaningful work that connects real and synthetic data, SPAICE provides a unique environment where your contributions can shape missions from Earth to space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation in London
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with SPAICE Technology Ltd. for a Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at SPAICE Technology Ltd., make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At SPAICE Technology Ltd., we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at SPAICE Technology Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with SPAICE Technology Ltd..
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with SPAICE Technology Ltd.. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like SPAICE Technology Ltd. love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
