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Physics Engine Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Job Title Unity 3D Manufacturing Simulation Developer Position Summary: Conduct all work activities ... Excellent knowledge of Unity and proficient with Unity Physics Engine. Experience with scripting ...

... devops teams. Your Role: * Build, maintain, and extend simulation environments in NVIDIA Isaac Sim ... Experience with at least one physics engine: PhysX, MuJoCo, Bullet, or Drake. * Solid understanding ...

... devops teams. Your Role: * Build, maintain, and extend simulation environments in NVIDIA Isaac Sim ... Experience with at least one physics engine: PhysX, MuJoCo, Bullet, or Drake. * Solid understanding ...

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How much do physics engine developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physics Engine Developer, and why are they important?

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 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.
Infographic showing various Physics Engine Developer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Physics Engine Development Engineer, Optimus

Physics Engine Development Engineer, Optimus

Tesla

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Tesla rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Summary:
Tesla is at the forefront of robotics innovation, developing humanoid bi-pedal robots known as Optimus. The Physics Engine Development Engineer will be responsible for creating and optimizing physics-based simulation modules, ensuring accurate modeling and high performance in robotics applications.
Responsibilities:
• Develop physics-based high-fidelity simulation modules for robotics application, ensuring accurate and reliable modelling of complex systems
• Optimize simulation performance to achieve high throughput while preserving simulation fidelity
• Collaborate with training and hardware design team to minimize sim-to-real gap from all angles and perspectives
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong math/physics background with passion for coding
• Extensive experience in robotics physics engine development, supported by first-author publications or impactful projects
• Deep understanding of algorithm complexity and data structures
• Deep understanding of control theory
• Familiar with compiler principles and differentiable simulations
• Exceptional skills in C++, Python, CUDA, and GPU programming
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to problem-solving
Company:
Tesla is an electric vehicle and clean energy company that provides electric cars, solar, and renewable energy solutions. Founded in 2003, the company is headquartered in Austin, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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