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- Tasks: Design virtual worlds for drones and satellites, integrating real-world data into simulations.
- Company: Join SPAICE, a pioneering tech company shaping the future of space and autonomous systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, wellness perks, and team retreats.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on real missions with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior-level C++ experience and hands-on knowledge of Unreal Engine required.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts in aerospace, AI, and robotics for exciting career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Software Engineer – Virtual Worlds role at SPAICE.
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.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at SPAICE by 2x.
London, England, United Kingdom
Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation in City of London employer: SPAICE
Contact Detail:
SPAICE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and tech industries, especially those who work at SPAICE. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects related to virtual worlds and simulations. Whether it's a personal project or something from your previous job, having tangible examples can really impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your C++ skills and familiarising yourself with game engines like Unreal. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your thought process during problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SPAICE team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Engineer role. Highlight your experience with C++ and any work you've done with game engines like Unreal Engine. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for virtual worlds and simulation, and explain why you're excited about working at SPAICE. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for our mission.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you've worked on projects involving simulations or autonomous systems, make sure to showcase them. Include links or descriptions that demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills. We want to see what you've created!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at SPAICE.
How to prepare for a job interview at SPAICE
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in C++ and familiar with modern game engines, especially Unreal Engine. Brush up on any custom plugin development or editor scripting you've done, as this will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Simulation Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with simulation environments, particularly in robotics or aerospace. Highlight any projects where you integrated real-world datasets into simulations, as this aligns perfectly with what SPAICE is looking for.
✨Think Multidisciplinary
SPAICE values collaboration across various fields. Be ready to talk about how you've worked with control engineers, AI researchers, or aerospace experts in the past. This shows you can thrive in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to tackle some technical challenges during the interview. Practice explaining your thought process when solving complex problems, especially those related to physical realism and sensor models. This will demonstrate your systems-oriented mindset.
