People Matter

Senior Software Engineer - Physical Simulation & Metrology (m/f/d)

Daedalus

Daedalus

Software Engineering
Karlsruhe, Germany
Posted on Feb 11, 2026
About the opportunity
At Daedalus, we don’t just move machines; we predict how matter behaves. We are looking for an engineer to join our Virtual Production team and build our Sim-to-Real pipeline. We are building high-fidelity physical simulations that leverage sub-micron CMM data to understand complex phenomena like tool deflection and thermal drift. We value mathematical rigor combined with an extreme prototyping speed. We are looking for engineers who can iterate fast on complex ideas without losing sight of long-term software reliability.
What you'll do at Daedalus
  • Build the logic that integrates multi-source data - discrete CMM points, high-frequency live machine telemetry, clamping constraints, and tool geometries - to refine and calibrate physical models of the machining process.
  • Develop robust spatial algorithms to align and analyze the "as-built" part against the CAD model.
  • Design modular and testable software components that bridge simulation and production.
  • Use modern approaches to infer hidden physical parameters from measurement deviations.
Who you are
  • 5+ years of experience shipping high-performance software in fast-paced environments.
  • You have a background in Physics, Applied Math, Robotics or Computer Science. You understand that real-world physics are non-linear and messy. You think in terms of forces, constraints, and spatial interactions.
  • You are a problem solver who knows how to bridge the gap between high-level research and low-level execution. You are comfortable prototyping complex logic rapidly in Python and optimizing critical paths in low-level languages when performance dictates it. You build robust abstractions that don't leak, even under high pressure.
  • You care about building predictable and maintainable systems because you know they allow for faster iteration. You are willing to adopt or are already great at modern paradigms such as functional programming and data-oriented design to ensure software reliability under speed.
  • Expert in 3D Linear Algebra and Numerical Analysis. You know how to handle spatial data structures and contact constraints
What's in it for you
  • Work with purpose and ambition in one of the most exciting and innovative manufacturing facilities in Germany
  • Close collaboration with an international team from the fields of manufacturing, artificial intelligence, software, robotics, and operations
  • Free lunch, fruits, and drinks every day
  • 30 days of vacation
  • Capital-forming benefits
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Bike leasing via BusinessBike
  • Regular team events (e.g. summer party, barbecue evenings, Christmas party, etc.)
About us
Daedalus is a different kind of startup. We are a team of world-class engineers and manufacturing gurus on a mission to build the world's first autonomous factory that can build anything.
With our world-leading experience from OpenAI, Google, SpaceX, Stripe, Blue Origin, Cruise and others, and venture backing from some of the biggest names in tech including Addition, Khosla Ventures and Y Combinator, we believe that revolutionary results can be built by a small group of creative minds working in concert. Join us on our journey to build the autonomous factory of the future to make precision components for spacecraft, medical devices, robotics, industrial machinery and many others. We are currently ramping up our first large factory in Germany and need your help to make it even more efficient and duplicate it across the globe.