Defense Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Software Simulation Engineer

Job Description

Our Software & Digital Transformation organization is seeking an experienced Unreal Engine Software Engineer to support the development of advanced simulation, visualization, digital engineering, and immersive training solutions for mission-critical defense programs. This position is ideal for someone with experience in video game development, game design, simulation, or real-time visualization who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while working on impactful software programs. The engineer will leverage Unreal Engine 5 and modern C++ development practices to create highly interactive, scalable, and visually rich applications supporting a variety of aerospace and defense initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with software engineers, systems engineers, technical leads, and end users to design, develop, test, and deploy next-generation software products. This role requires strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to develop high-performance applications within a collaborative Agile environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain applications using Unreal Engine 5 and C++
• Develop immersive simulation, visualization, and training environments
• Create interactive user experiences and real-time 3D applications
• Collaborate with systems engineers and stakeholders to define software requirements
• Implement gameplay systems, simulation logic, and application functionality
• Optimize rendering performance and application efficiency
• Develop and maintain software architecture and reusable code frameworks
• Participate in code reviews, testing, integration, and deployment activities
• Support Agile software development processes and sprint activities
• Contribute to Digital Transformation initiatives across multiple programs

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or related field
• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience
• Strong experience with modern C++ development
• Professional Unreal Engine 5 development experience
• Experience developing production-level gaming, simulation, visualization, or interactive applications
• Strong understanding of object-oriented design principles and software architecture
• Experience with source control tools such as Git or Perforce
• Experience working in Agile development environments
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance
• U.S. Citizenship required

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Unreal Blueprints
• Niagara VFX Systems
• Multiplayer Networking
• UMG UI Development
• AI Systems Development
• Animation Blueprints
• AR/VR/XR Development
• OpenXR
• Digital Twin Development
• Modeling & Simulation
• Real-Time Rendering Optimization
• Azure DevOps
• Python
• C#
• Mission Training Systems
• Serious Games Development
• Defense Industry Experience
• Systems Engineering Exposure
• Distributed Systems
• Technical Design Experience

Work Environment

The position offers a highly collaborative environment with software, systems, and digital engineering teams and provides long-term program opportunities within Digital Transformation initiatives.Candidates coming from commercial gaming, defense simulation, virtual reality, digital twin, training systems, or visualization backgrounds are highly desired. The workplace is located onsite with potential hybrid flexibility in Rolling Meadows.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Schaumburg, IL.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.