Staff Software Engineer, Vessel Performance Modeling

Sofar Ocean • San Francisco, CA

215d • $170,000 - $220,000

About The Position

You will be responsible for developing on our vessel performance modeling system designed to scalably model a full diversity of real world vessels at scale with our blend of physics-based principles with data-driven techniques. You will be partnering with our existing team of data scientists and software engineers directly improving our understanding of how vessels interact with the ocean environment, enabling decarbonization, cost savings, and safer maritime navigation.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience building production-grade modeling or simulation systems utilizing a hybrid of physics and data methods.
• Strong programming skills in Python and a system level language such as C++ or Rust.
• Track record of designing and owning large-scale modeling pipelines, preferably in real-world noisy data environments.
• Skilled at balancing scientific rigor with practical engineering constraints.
• Excellent communication skills, you can work across disciplines and explain complex systems to varied audiences.
• A physics or natural sciences undergraduate experience or equivalent.
• Passionate about the ocean, sustainability, and making a tangible impact on climate and logistics.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in vessel performance modeling in the shipping industry.
• Experience in hydrodynamics or vessel dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Architect and engineer robust, scalable systems for modeling vessel performance under real-world conditions, including hydrodynamics, engine characteristics, weather impacts, and operational constraints.
• Set technical strategy and modeling direction in collaboration with Product teams to meaningfully impact our customers daily operations.
• Lead the development of hybrid models that combine physical simulation with machine learning and observational data from ships and sensors.
• Ensure models are well-tested, explainable, and production-ready, enabling reliable integration into customer-facing applications and APIs.
• Mentor team members and establish best practices for the balance of physical modeling, numerical methods, product scope and system reliability.

Benefits

• Estimated Salary Range: $170,000 - $220,000

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees