Principal Software Engineer, Physics

Roblox; California (MO); On-site; USD 295,000 - 345,000; Full time

Job summary

Roblox in San Mateo, CA, seeks an experienced Physics Environment Engineer to design and optimize its real-time physics engine used across online multiplayer experiences. You will work on distributed physics, integrating SDKs and refining performance for scalable gameplay.

We value a BS or higher in a related field, strong C++ and SIMD skills, and a track record in real-time physics simulations. This role is based at our headquarters with onsite collaboration and equity benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional C++ development experience.
• Experience with multithreading and SIMD optimization.
• Experience with real-time physics simulation and online multiplayer.
• Experience integrating physics SDKs such as PhysX, Havok, Bullet.
• Education: BS or higher in CS/Math/Physics/Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Innovate and implement powerful physics features for Roblox developers.
• Drive innovation through research and rapid prototyping.
• Optimize robustness and performance of the physics engine and integrations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external developers for guidance and support.

Skills

C++ development

Performance engineering

Real-time physics

Physics simulation

Physics SDK familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in CS/Math/Physics/Engineering

Tools

PhysX

Havok

Bullet

Job description

Every day, tens of millions of people come to Roblox to explore, create, play, learn, and connect with friends in 3D immersive digital experiences– all created by our global community of developers and creators.

At Roblox, we’re building the tools and platform that empower our community to bring any experience that they can imagine to life. Our vision is to reimagine the way people come together, from anywhere in the world, and on any device. We’re on a mission to connect a billion people with optimism and civility, and looking for amazing talent to help us get there.

A career at Roblox means you’ll be working to shape the future of human interaction, solving unique technical challenges at scale, and helping to create safer, more civil shared experiences for everyone.

From the early days, simulated physics has been the foundation of the way users build in Roblox. Our physics engine enables dynamic environments with emergent behavior making games more immersive and exciting.

The Physics team develops Roblox's proprietary distributed physics engine. Our team implements the mathematical models behind our dynamic simulation engine, and ships engine APIs and tools that developers use every day. These models incorporate rigid body dynamics arising from external forces, collisions, and constraints while optimizing for real-time performance. We work on integrating the low level physics solver into the rest of the engine for online gameplay across multiple platforms. You will report to the Physics Environment Engineering Manager.

You Will:

• Innovate and implement powerful physics features that empower Roblox developers to create immersive and dynamic experiences.

• Drive innovation through research and rapid prototyping, translating new ideas into practical solutions that stand the test of time.

• Optimize and enhance the robustness and performance of the physics engine and its integrations, ensuring a seamless user experience.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external developers, providing expert support and guidance to improve feature utilization and resolve technical challenges.

You Have:

• Extensive C++ Development: 8+ years of professional experience writing high-performance, optimized C++ code (2+ years if with an advanced degree).

• Performance Engineering: Demonstrated ability to use multithreading and SIMD optimization techniques to enhance application efficiency with knowledge of modern computer architecture and its impact on software performance.

• Physics and Numerical Methods Experience: Practical experience applying numerical methods to solve problems in real-time physics simulation.

• Real-Time Physics Expertise: Proven experience developing and deploying real-time and online multiplayer physics simulations.

• Physics SDK Familiarity: Hands-on experience integrating and applying physics SDKs such as PhysX, Havok, and Bullet.

• Educational Background: Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated experience.

For roles that are based at our headquarters in San Mateo, CA: The starting base pay for this position is as shown below. The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional background, training, work experience, location, business needs and market demand. Therefore, in some circumstances, the actual salary could fall outside of this expected range. This pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. All full-time employees are also eligible for equity compensation and for benefits as described on this page.

Annual Salary Range

$295,250—$345,040 USD

Roles that are based in an office are onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with optional presence on Monday and Friday (unless otherwise noted).

Roblox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Roblox also provides reasonable accommodations to candidates with qualifying disabilities or religious beliefs during the recruiting process.

For US based roles only, please note the Company may not be able to employ candidates for this role who have United States work authorization related to certain U.S. visa categories, or support future H-1B sponsorship at this time.