Principal Software Engineer - Game Engine Physics

Placements24; Southampton; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Home office stipend

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the physics systems of our game engine. This fully remote role invites you to shape advanced simulations, mentor engineers, and drive technical strategy across teams.

You will design, implement, and optimize real-time physics, collaborate with graphics and AI teams, and ensure robust, high-performance code while working from anywhere in the world.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software engineering experience, with 7+ years in physics programming for game engines or real-time sims.
• Expert C++ and OO design; deep physics knowledge (Newtonian mechanics, rigid/soft bodies).
• Experience with PhysX or Havok or custom physics solutions; strong debugging and profiling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and optimization of physics simulation systems for a proprietary game engine.
• Develop high-performance C++ code for physics calculations, collision detection, and dynamics.
• Mentor engineers and drive technical strategy; collaborate with graphics, AI, and gameplay teams.
• Profile and optimize physics code for scalability across platforms; write maintainable code.
• Stay up-to-date with latest game physics developments and real-time simulation techniques.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Physics programming

Real-time simulation

Multithreading

Mentorship

Communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in CS/Physics

Tools

PhysX

Havok

Custom physics engine

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of our game engine's physics systems. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to groundbreaking projects. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced physics simulations that are robust, performant, and deeply integrated into our game engine. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of physics principles, advanced C++ programming, and real-time simulation techniques, coupled with a proven track record of delivering complex engineering solutions. You will mentor other engineers, drive technical strategy, and collaborate closely with various development teams to ensure our physics systems meet the highest standards of quality and innovation. This is a premier opportunity to shape the core technology of our games and contribute to a world-class engineering team from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced physics simulation systems for a proprietary game engine.
• Develop and maintain high-performance C++ code for physics calculations, collision detection, and rigid/soft body dynamics.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams (e.g., graphics, AI, gameplay) to ensure seamless integration of physics systems.
• Profile and optimize physics code for scalability and performance across various target platforms.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers in best practices for physics programming.
• Research and implement cutting-edge physics technologies and algorithms.
• Contribute to the overall technical direction and architecture of the game engine.
• Write clear, well-documented, and maintainable code.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges related to physics simulation.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in game physics and real-time simulation.

Requirements

• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a minimum of 7 years focused on physics programming for game engines or real-time simulations.
• Expert-level proficiency in C++ and object-oriented design principles.
• Deep understanding of physics principles (e.g., Newtonian mechanics, rigid body dynamics, collision detection algorithms).
• Experience with physics engines (e.g., PhysX, Havok) or developing custom physics solutions.
• Strong knowledge of performance optimization techniques for complex simulations.
• Experience with multithreading and parallel programming.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor other engineers.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, suitable for a remote work environment.
• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Physics, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and generous retirement savings plans.
• We provide flexible work hours, a home office stipend, and substantial opportunities for professional development, including attendance at major industry conferences.
• Our client cultivates a culture of technical excellence and innovation, offering challenging projects and access to cutting-edge technology.
• You will be part of a team that values deep technical expertise and impactful contributions.
• We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive remote workforce where talent and dedication are paramount.
• This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career in game engine physics development from anywhere.