(Senior) Simulation Software Engineer – Unreal Engine and AI Autonomy (m/f/d)

Job description

Job Description:

Airbus is combining its strengths in AI and autonomy to shape the future of autonomous systems. At Tesat’s established technology site in Backnang, we are building a new, agile development and expertise center that combines decades of space technology experience with start-up energy to develop next-generation AI-enabled defence and dual-use applications.

Your role

As a (Senior) Simulation Software Engineer – Unreal Engine & AI Autonomy, you will shape our “Data Engine,” enabling AI training at massive scale and preparing our systems for extreme operating conditions. You will bridge virtual worlds and reality. At senior level, you will own the technology architecture and plan the system landscape; at professional level, you will focus on hands-on development and implementation. Together, you will build scalable environments where AI agents can safely learn and refine autonomous flight behavior.

Benefits

• Unique opportunity to shape autonomous systems at a world-leading aerospace company.
• Inspiring workplace combining start-up innovation with an established technology site.
• Talented team sharing a vision for Europe’s technological sovereignty.
• Attractive salary, flexible hours, and excellent career-development opportunities across Airbus.

Responsibilities

• Digital clone development: lead architecture at senior level or support development at professional level of highly accurate virtual replicas of flight systems and mission environments using AirSim and Unreal Engine.
• Reinforcement-learning training environments: design and maintain highly scalable simulation infrastructure where AI agents learn autonomous flight behavior through reinforcement learning.
• Sim-to-real alignment: ensure realistic physics by validating simulation results against real flight data; own the overall strategy at senior level or help tune sensor noise and environmental parameters at professional level.
• Visualization: create and optimize visualizations of flight paths, target tracking, and swarm telemetry for ground-control-station (GCS) integration.
• Synthetic data generation (SDG): orchestrate large datasets—from extreme weather to camouflage scenarios—to address the shortage of real flight data from conflict zones.
• Electronic-warfare simulation: design and implement virtual GPS spoofing and connection-loss scenarios to maximize AI resilience against adversarial countermeasures.

Your profile

• Degree in computer science, game-engine development, aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field; for senior level, ideally a master’s or doctorate.
• Professional level: initial practical experience or strong academic knowledge of simulation frameworks and 3D rendering engines, preferably Unreal Engine or AirSim.
• Senior level: several years of relevant experience with simulation frameworks and rendering engines, especially Unreal Engine and AirSim, and a record of delivering complex technical architectures or technical leadership in a fast-moving technology environment.
• Deep understanding of, or strong interest in, 3D physics engines, sensor simulation (EO/IR), and machine-learning data pipelines.
• Strong C++ and Python skills for developing simulation features, adapting engines, and integrating them into CI/CD pipelines.
• Business-fluent German and English.

We are hiring at different career levels; placement depends on your experience. Not a 100% match? Airbus supports your personal growth with tailored solutions. Hiring is based on potential and experience.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Employment Type: Permanent

Experience Level: Professional

Job Family: Research and Technology

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to. At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The company continually innovates to provide efficient, technologically advanced aerospace, defence, and connected-services solutions. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern, fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world’s leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. From sending your résumé to successful interviews, you can find information to guide your candidate journey. Learn more.