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Game Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country ... Physics Department Chair The Physics Department at DigiPen Institute of Technology invites ...

Game programming skills including 2D and 3D math, physics, FX and UI systems. Strong collaboration skills. A passion for games. Preferred Qualifications: Working prototypes of concepts that showcase ...

Game-engine physics: Unreal Engine, PhysX, Unity * Computational fluid dynamics: ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics * Finite element analysis (ANSYS, Abaqus) * Process modelling: gPROMS, Witness ...

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Alpharetta, GA ยท On-site

$125K - $139K/yr

We are actively staffing up for both in-house game development and supporting published titles ... Solid understanding of 3D math, physics, animation integration, and player systems. * Proven ...

Sr Advanced Physicist - 782

Broomfield, CO ยท On-site

$148K - $185K/yr

Completed PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field with background in atomic ... What's in it for you? A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work Flexible work ...

Atomic Source Physicist - 869

Broomfield, CO ยท On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

Minimum of 5+ years (PhD inclusive) of atomic physics experience * Due to Contractual requirements ... What's in it for you? A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work Flexible work ...

PhD Medical Physicist

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

PhD or Master degree in physics or in other relevant field with at least 5 years' experience in ... Discounts on local sports games, fitness gyms and attractions * Modern, ecofriendly campus with an ...

Showing results 41-60

Game Physics information

See salary details

$11K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do game physics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for game physics in the United States is $61,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Game Physics vs Game Programmer?

AspectGame PhysicsGame Programmer
Primary FocusSimulating physical behaviors and interactions in gamesWriting code for game mechanics, systems, and features
Required SkillsPhysics principles, mathematics, simulation techniquesProgramming languages, software development, system design
Work EnvironmentGame development teams, physics engines, simulation toolsGame studios, software development environments
Common CertificationsPhysics or computer science degrees, specialized physics certificationsComputer science degrees, programming certifications

Game Physics specialists focus on creating realistic physical interactions within games, while Game Programmers develop the underlying code and systems that make the game function. Both roles often collaborate closely but have distinct skill sets and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game physics programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Physics Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics (especially linear algebra and calculus), and experience with physics simulations, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, C++ or C# programming, and familiarity with physics middleware such as NVIDIA PhysX is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are key soft skills that help address complex technical challenges and collaborate with designers and artists. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating realistic, performant, and engaging in-game physics that enhance the player's experience.

What is game physics?

Game physics refers to the simulation of physical systems and behaviors within video games. It involves using mathematical models and algorithms to replicate real-world phenomena such as gravity, collisions, movement, and object interactions in a virtual environment. Game physics enhances realism and gameplay by making actions like jumping, falling, and crashing look and feel believable. Developers often use specialized physics engines to handle these complex calculations efficiently.

How does a game physics engineer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

Game Physics Engineers work closely with gameplay programmers, animators, and designers to ensure that physical simulations integrate seamlessly into the game experience. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss technical constraints, optimize performance, and troubleshoot issues related to collisions, character movement, or environmental interactions. Effective communication and iterative problem-solving are key, as adjustments to physics systems may impact gameplay balance or artistic vision. This collaborative environment offers valuable opportunities to learn from other disciplines and contribute directly to the game's feel and realism.
More about Game Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Physics jobs? Cities with the most Game Physics job openings:
What states have the most Game Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Physics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Game Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer, Physics

Roblox

San Mateo, CA โ€ข On-site

$345K - $399K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


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: 10+ 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
$345,040-$399,420 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.