
Job Overview: Senior Vehicle Handling Engineer
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Stellar Entertainment |
| Position Title | Senior Vehicle Handling Engineer |
| Location | Guildford, UK |
| Work Model | Hybrid (3 Days On-Site / 2 Days Remote) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time, Permanent |
| Salary Range | £75,000 – £105,000 (Negotiable based on experience) |
| Department | Engineering (Vehicle Handling & Physics) |
| Primary Tech Stack | C++, Unreal Engine, Chaos/PhysX/Havok |
The Studio: Engineering the Extraordinary
Stellar Entertainment is a world-class video game development studio with a footprint in the two most significant European gaming hubs: Guildford, UK, and Utrecht, Netherlands. We are a collective of veterans and innovators who refuse to settle for “good enough.” Our studio culture is built on the pillars of quality, excellence, and a player-first philosophy.
We believe that games are a holistic experience. It is not just about the mechanics of the game; it is about the emotional response those mechanics trigger. As we begin development on an ambitious, unannounced AAA project, we are seeking a Senior Vehicle Handling Engineer who understands that the “feel” of a car—the way it bites into a corner or slides across gravel—is the heart of a great driving experience.
The Role: Architect of the “Feel”
As our Senior Vehicle Handling Engineer, you will join the elite Physics team. Your mission is to bridge the gap between abstract Design concepts and high-performance Code. You will take complete ownership of the vehicle physics systems, ensuring that every input from the player results in an immersive, authentic, and responsive reaction from the vehicle.
This is a high-impact role where you aren’t just writing code—you are shaping the physical soul of our game. You will work in a highly collaborative environment, translating the Art Director’s vision and the Lead Designer’s “feel” into scalable, robust technical systems.
Core Responsibilities & Technical Leadership
1. Ownership of Physics & Vehicle Systems
- System Architecture: Take the lead on designing and implementing core physics systems. Whether it’s tire friction models, suspension kinematics, or aerodynamics, you will be the primary authority on how these systems interact.
- Core Mechanics: Develop the driving mechanics that define the project’s identity. Your goal is to create “unforgettable” experiences where the player feels a direct, visceral connection to the machine.
- Refinement & Iteration: Continuously tune and polish vehicle handling based on playtest data and designer feedback, moving from a rough prototype to a “Gold” standard of responsiveness.
2. Technical Implementation & Integration
- Unreal Engine Mastery: Work deeply within Unreal Engine, specifically utilizing and extending physics engines such as Chaos, PhysX, or Havok.
- 3D Mathematics: Apply advanced linear algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to solve complex collision detection and rigid-body dynamic problems.
- Multi-threaded Performance: Ensure that vehicle simulations are highly optimized for modern multi-core processors, maintaining high-fidelity physics without sacrificing frame rate.
3. Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Design Liaison: Act as a “translator” for the Game Design team. You will take subjective feedback (e.g., “the car feels too floaty”) and turn it into objective, tweakable parameters within the physics code.
- Problem Solving: Proactively identify and resolve technical debt or physics-related bugs that could impact the player experience or project timeline.
- Mentorship: As a Senior member of the Engineering team, you will provide guidance and technical reviews for junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
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Candidate Requirements
Essential Experience
- C++ Expertise: You must have a strong command of C++ within a professional game development environment. We are looking for clean, performant, and maintainable code.
- Unreal Engine Proficiency: Significant experience working with Unreal Engine’s architecture, specifically its physics and actor components.
- Physics Integration: Proven experience owning and integrating physics engines (e.g., PhysX, Chaos, or Havok) in a shipped title.
- Mathematical Rigor: Solid understanding of 3D math, including vectors, quaternions, and matrix transformations, specifically applied to vehicle dynamics.
Preferred “Bonus” Skills
- Racing Pedigree: If you have shipped professional racing titles, we want to hear from you. Experience with specialized vehicle simulation is a massive plus.
- Multiplayer Experience: Previous experience building large-scale, real-time multiplayer games, particularly handling physics synchronization and network latency for fast-moving objects.
Global Benefits & Perks
Stellar Entertainment provides a package designed to support a high-performance career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Project Impact: Be a foundational member of a new, unannounced AAA IP with global reach.
- Hardware: Access to cutting-edge development kits and high-end workstations.
- Health & Well-being:
- Private Healthcare: Comprehensive plan including dental and optical support.
- Mental Health: Access to professional counseling and mental health support.
- Online GP: 24/7 access to medical professionals for you and your household.
- Work-Life Balance:
- Hybrid Model: 3 days in our Guildford studio, 2 days remote.
- Christmas Shutdown: We close for the festive season to ensure everyone recharges.
- Holiday Accrual: Increasing holiday benefits based on your years of service.
- Financial Security:
- Pension Plan: Competitive contribution scheme.
- Life Assurance: Peace of mind for your loved ones.
- Discretionary Bonus: Rewarding your contribution to the studio’s success.
- Community & Culture:
- Social Events: Regular team incentives, studio socials, and launch parties.
- Snack Cupboard: A legendary, well-stocked fridge and snack supply in the office.
- Global Collaboration: Opportunities to work with and visit our Utrecht office.
Why Join the Vehicle Physics Team at Stellar?
Vehicle handling is one of the most difficult disciplines in game engineering. It requires a rare blend of hard science and artistic intuition. At Stellar Entertainment, we don’t treat physics as a “solved problem.” We are constantly pushing the limits of what a game engine can simulate.
If you are a problem-solver who is excited by complex technical challenges—and if you have a passion for the engineering behind the world’s most iconic driving machines—this is the role you have been looking for.
How to Apply
Please submit your application through our portal, including:
1. Technical CV: Detailing your experience with C++, UE, and specific physics systems.
2. Portfolio/Code Samples: (If available) Showing your work in vehicle dynamics or physics implementation.
3. Cover Letter: Tell us about a specific vehicle handling challenge you’ve overcome in the past.
Stellar Entertainment is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.