Principal Physics Engine Programmer, C++ (Modeling & Simulation)
Code Metal · Remote · Remote ·
COMPENSATION
$250k – $290k
Listed on the employer's job board (Ashby)
- Principal level (10+ years)
- C++ & ECS architecture
- Flexible remote/hybrid
- US Security clearance
- Healthcare & 401k match
Join the Modeling & Simulation team at Code Metal to redefine how defense decisions are made through provably correct software. You will architect and build the core C++ simulation runtime that executes physics, behavior, and mission models for large-scale wargaming scenarios. Your work will bring commercial game development performance standards to critical government decision-support tools.
What you'll do
- Architect and implement the core C++ runtime for interactive wargaming
- Design entity-component-system architecture for heterogeneous entities
- Build data-oriented component storage and dependency-aware scheduling
- Develop multithreaded execution systems for parallel simulation workloads
- Optimize memory layout, cache locality, and CPU utilization against budgets
- Create stable extension points for model developers without destabilizing core
- Design simulation loops, time stepping, and deterministic replay systems
- Build spatial indexing and collision-candidate query infrastructure
- Establish architecture for networked and distributed simulation synchronization
- Lead engine design reviews and mentor other programmers on C++ standards
What you'll need
- Extensive professional C++ experience building performance-critical software
- Background in commercial game development or real-time engine creation
- Shipped at least one commercial game, engine, or interactive product
- Ownership of foundational engine systems rather than just gameplay features
- Expert command of modern C++, concurrency, and low-level debugging
- Strong understanding of data-oriented design and cache behavior
- Experience designing or extending entity-component systems
- Ability to optimize against hard CPU, memory, and latency budgets
- Working knowledge of real-time physics concepts and numerical integration
- Active Secret clearance or eligibility to obtain one
Nice to have
- Experience with SIMD, GPU compute, or lock-free structures
- Support for very large worlds with many active entities
- Familiarity with defense simulations like HLA, DIS, or STK
- Experience supporting Air Force or joint mission-analysis programs
- Active U.S. security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, or SCI/SAP)
Stack
- C++
- ECS
- SIMD
- GPU compute
How you'll work
- Flexible hybrid or remote work arrangement
- Offices in Boston and San Francisco
- Relocation assistance available for qualifying employees
What you get
- Health care plan with 100% premium coverage
- Medical, dental, and vision included
- 401k with 5% matching
- Uncapped vacation plus sick and public holidays
- Competitive salary based on experience