Senior Software Engineer – Virtual Worlds

SPAICE; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in autonomous systems is seeking a Software Engineer (Virtual Worlds) to create simulations for training algorithms for drones and satellites. This role involves collaboration with aerospace engineers and intensive work with simulation tools like Unreal Engine to develop realistic environments. Candidates should possess strong experience in C++ and a systems-oriented mindset, along with the ability to integrate new tools. SPAICE offers competitive salary, equity options, and well-being perks.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Equity options

Access to premium gyms and wellness programs

Team retreats & offsites

Qualifications

• Experience with C++ and game engine development.
• Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine, including plugin or scripting.
• Strong understanding of simulation environments for robotics or aerospace.

Responsibilities

• Design virtual worlds for drones and satellites.
• Develop high-fidelity simulations to train navigation algorithms.
• Integrate real-world datasets into simulation frameworks.

Skills

C++

Game Engines

Physical Realism

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Sensor Models

Tools

Unreal Engine

NVIDIA Omniverse

ROS

Simulink

AirSim

Unity

Job description

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.