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CBSbutler

Senior Simulation Engineer (Game Engines)

Hybrid

Edinburgh, United kingdom

£ 60 /hour

Senior

Freelance

21-01-2026

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Skills

Communication Python Unity Stakeholder Management Content Creation C++

Job Specifications

Senior Simulation Engineer (Game Engines)

Edinburgh or Newcastle (90% onsite)
£60ph (Inside IR35)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Join a fast-moving, outcome-driven engineering team that builds high-quality simulations and real-time experiences using commercial and proprietary game engines. You’ll shape how we exploit, extend, and integrate engines to solve complex systems problems, influence product roadmaps, and mentor engineers across disciplines. If you love squeezing performance from engines, building robust pipelines, and turning prototypes into production-grade systems, this role is for you.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Proven experience as a game developer, engine engineer, or simulation engineer working with commercial game engines (Unreal, Unity, or similar).
Good C++ skills and practical experience with Python and Lua scripting.
Demonstrable track record of engine exploitation: profiling, optimization, custom module/plugin development, and toolchain integration.
Systems thinking: you design solutions that consider performance, maintainability, and operational constraints.
Experience with rapid prototyping, iterative design, and stakeholder-driven development.
Strong stakeholder management and the ability to translate user needs into technical requirements.
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Desirable

Degree in a STEM field, ideally to Masters level.
Experience with animation pipelines, 3D modelling, or content creation workflows.
Familiarity with HLA, DIS, or other simulation interoperability standards.
Background in UX/HMI design or human-in-the-loop simulation.
Prior experience working on security-cleared or regulated projects.

TASKS REQUIRED

Lead engine-driven projects from concept through delivery, building demos, bespoke tools, and integrated simulations.
Exploit and extend game and simulation engines to meet performance, quality, and interoperability goals.
Design and implement robust systems using C++, Python, and Lua to automate workflows and integrate third-party tools.
Drive engine maintenance and optimisation, including profiling, memory and CPU tuning, and platform-specific improvements.
Collaborate across disciplines with systems engineers, software teams, Human Factors designers, and IT to deliver cohesive solutions.
Rapidly prototype and iterate, turning experimental ideas into validated features and production-ready components.
Mentor and document: capture knowledge, run workshops, and support junior engineers to raise team capability.

About the Company

CBSbutler is a multi-award winning recruitment firm specialising in technical appointments across global industries. The company has won no less than 20 major business awards over the last decade and notably, ‘Best Engineering’ category in the ‘Recruiter Awards for Excellence’ on 6 separate occasions. The company has been consistently listed in the Recruiter Hot 100, together with Best Companies 3* rating for employee engagement. Moreover, the company ranked #24 in the 2016 Sunday Times ‘Best Small Companies to work for’... Know more