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Physics Engine Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roblox

Principal Software Engineer, Physics

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$153K - $206K/yr

Our physics engine enables dynamic environments with emergent behavior making games more immersive ... You will report to the Physics Environment Engineering Manager. You Will: * Innovate and implement ...

Roblox

Principal Software Engineer, Physics

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$153K - $206K/yr

Our physics engine enables dynamic environments with emergent behavior making games more immersive ... You will report to the Physics Environment Engineering Manager. You Will: * Innovate and implement ...

Roblox

Principal Software Engineer, Physics

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$295K - $345K/yr

... developers and creators. At Roblox, we're building the tools and platform that empower our ... Our physics engine enables dynamic environments with emergent behavior making games more immersive ...

Virtual Producer

UNREAL Engine Developer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

We are looking for an Unreal Engine developer to create training experiences for Virtual Reality ... physics, multiplayer/networking, or audio) Up-to-date with the latest gaming trends, techniques ...

Luma

Simulation Researcher/Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

Design simulation environments that are visually rich, physically plausible, and trainable at scale - a hybrid of generative rollouts and physics-engine scenes. * Build the evaluation harness that ...

Skild AI

Simulation Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Position Overview We are seeking talented simulation engineers to create expansive simulated worlds ... Deep understanding of commonly used physics engine simulators for robotics. * Technical ...

Genesis AI

$150 - $200/hr

One unified multi-physics engine: rigid bodies, FEM, MPM, particles, cloth, fluids. A robot arm can ... Who you are You are a physicist and an engineer at once. You judge a method by whether it holds up ...

Menlo Ventures

Simulation Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Position Overview We are seeking talented simulation engineers to create expansive simulated worlds ... Deep understanding of commonly used physics engine simulators for robotics. * Technical ...

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How much do physics engine developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics engine developer in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a physics engine developer do?

A Physics Engine Developer designs, implements, and maintains the software systems that simulate physical behaviors in digital environments, such as video games or simulations. This involves developing algorithms to model real-world physics phenomena like collision detection, rigid body dynamics, and fluid simulations. Physics Engine Developers work closely with other software engineers and designers to ensure realistic and efficient performance, often optimizing their code for specific platforms or hardware. Their work is essential for creating immersive and believable interactive experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics engine developer?

To thrive as a Physics Engine Developer, you need strong programming skills (C++ or similar), a solid understanding of physics and mathematics, and often a computer science or engineering degree. Familiarity with physics simulation libraries (like Bullet or PhysX), game engines (such as Unity or Unreal), and profiling/debugging tools is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for optimizing performance and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial to building accurate, efficient, and robust physics systems that enhance the realism and playability of interactive applications.

What are some common challenges faced by physics engine developers when optimizing real-time simulations?

Physics Engine Developers often encounter challenges balancing simulation accuracy with real-time performance. Ensuring that the engine runs smoothly on various hardware, especially for games or interactive applications, requires clever optimization techniques such as approximations and multi-threading. Additionally, developers need to address issues like collision detection precision, numerical instability, and scalability when handling complex scenes. Collaborating closely with graphics programmers and gameplay engineers is essential for integrating the physics engine seamlessly into larger projects.

What are popular job titles related to Physics Engine Developer jobs?

For Physics Engine Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Physics Engine Developer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer, Physics

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Roblox
Software Development • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Robloxexternal

$153K - $206K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

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.

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