At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts in aerospace, AI, and robotics for exciting career growth.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on real missions with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior-level C++ experience and familiarity with Unreal Engine and simulation environments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 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 London employer: SPAICE
At SPAICE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among top-tier aerospace professionals. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced environment, where your contributions directly impact real missions in space and autonomous systems. Located at the forefront of aerospace advancements, SPAICE provides unique opportunities for meaningful work that shapes the future of navigation and control in challenging environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation in 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 insider info that could help your application stand out.
✨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 the interview by brushing up on your C++ and Unreal Engine knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects, especially those involving simulation environments or robotics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Engineer – Virtual Worlds & Simulation in 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. Let us know how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on projects involving simulations or autonomous systems, make sure to showcase them. We love seeing real examples of your work, especially if they involve integrating different tools or creating custom solutions.
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.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
SPAICE values teamwork, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with control engineers, AI researchers, or aerospace experts to achieve project goals.
✨Think Physically Realistic
Demonstrate your understanding of physical realism and sensor models during the interview. Discuss how you approach environment variability and how it impacts simulation accuracy, as this is crucial for the role.
