Senior Research Engineer - Virtual Worlds & Simulation

spaice-tech
London

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 – Research Engineer (Virtual Worlds)

Traditionally, virtual worlds were built for human players. Today, we build synthetic worlds also for artificial agents: intelligent satellites and aerial robots learning to navigate, observe, and make decisions.

In this role, you will create high-fidelity environments where synthetic and real data are virtually indistinguishable. You will build simulation and synthetic data pipelines that train, test, and validate the autonomy stack behind tomorrow’s missions. Your work will bridge realistic physics, sensor behavior, and procedural world generation, while pioneering next-generation generative techniques for multimodal realism across cameras, LiDAR, radar, and beyond.

As part of a deeply multidisciplinary team, you will lay the foundation of SPAICE’s autonomy verification, from Software-in-the-Loop/Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation ecosystems to large-scale distributed simulations supporting thousands of coordinated agents across Earth and space.

What you might work on

  • Designing and developing photorealistic virtual worlds for drones and satellites — on Earth and in orbit

  • Building generative + procedural scene generation pipelines (neural rendering, dynamic environments, materials, weather)

  • Modeling multimodal sensors with realistic physics and spatial–temporal coherence (camera, IR, LiDAR, radar/RF)

  • Integrating geospatial data (terrain, satellite imagery) into high-fidelity scene assets

  • Combining game engines and robotics simulators (Unreal Engine, Omniverse, Gazebo, Isaac/AirSim, Simulink)

  • Developing custom tools and SDKs to accelerate autonomy testing workflows

  • Interfacing virtual environments with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems

What we are looking for

  • Solid background in scene generation : neural scene representations, procedural modeling, and simulation-aware environments

  • Proficient with computer graphics : rendering, materials, lighting, procedural content, GPU programming, or similar

  • Strong experience in C++ and modern real-time engines (preferably Unreal Engine)

  • Understanding of physics-based realism and sensor modeling (rendering for machine perception)

  • Ability to integrate multiple tools and robotic simulators into a cohesive workflow

  • Comfortable collaborating with AI, controls, and aerospace teams — research + engineering mindset combined

  • 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.

Posted 2026-07-06

Recommended Jobs

Global Process Lead - Finance

wppmedia
London

About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneer…

View Details
Posted 2026-05-15

Art ECT - Mixed Secondary School in Croydon

Marchant Recruitment
Croydon, Greater London

Art ECT – Mixed Secondary School in Croydon (January Start) Location: Croydon Start Date: January 2026 Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Paid to Scale A creative and ambiti…

View Details
Posted 2025-12-09

Senior Procurement Consultant - Capital Programmes

Proxima
London

As part of the global leader Bain & Company, Proxima is an award-winning management consultancy specialising in procurement and supply chain . With vibrant offices in London, Leeds, Cardiff, Düs…

View Details
Posted 2026-02-07

Preschool Room Leader in Newham

Ethos Education
Newham, Greater London

Welcoming nursery in East London looking for a Preschool Room Leader Are you a Room Leader looking for a fresh start, or an Early Years Practitioner looking to move up in your career? You could …

View Details
Posted 2026-01-09

French Teacher Role at High-Performing Independent...

Marchant Recruitment
Brent, Greater London

A highly successful independent school in Brent, known for its strong linguistic outcomes and global outlook, requires a dedicated Teacher of MFL (French Specialist) for a January 2026 start. Resp…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-09

LSA SEN

Academics Ltd
East London

Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Location: London Borough of Havering Contract: Full-time / Part-time (Term-time only) Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Start Date: As soon as pos…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-30

Customer Category Controller - Ice Cream

Ferrero
Greenford, Greater London

We are looking for a strategic and experienced Customer Category Controller to drive growth across Ferrero’s chilled and frozen categories, including Chilled Desserts, Ice Cream and Frozen Bakery. Co…

View Details
Posted 2026-06-03

Politics ECT - Independent Co-educational School in...

Marchant Recruitment
London

Politics ECT – Independent Co-educational School in Wandsworth (January Start) Location: Wandsworth Start Date: January 2026 Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Paid to scale …

View Details
Posted 2026-01-07