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Game Designer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... designers. In this role, you'll support design and documentation tasks, help create client ... gaming, healthcare, multifamily, and sports and recreation. If you are ready to design alongside ...

New

R&D Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

What We're Looking For In this role, you will work closely with Enklu engineers and designers in ... Founded in 2016 by Games Industry veterans to provide accessible augmented and virtual reality ...

LFA Summer Camps

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18/hr

We offer a variety of roles designed to build leadership skills, professional experience, and ... Social Media intern * Campus Safety Traffic Monitor * Athletic Facility Monitor ...and more!

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

Spearheaded by PEAK6 co-founder, Jenny Just, our Trading Internship is designed to encourage smart ... risk-taking games * Weekly poker sessions hosted by traders to tie in trading concepts

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Game Designer Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$37

How much do game designer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for game designer intern in Chicago, IL is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a game designer intern do?

A Game Designer Intern assists in the creation and development of video games by contributing ideas, designing game mechanics, and helping with documentation. They often work closely with senior designers and other team members to prototype levels, balance gameplay elements, and test features. Interns also learn about the game development process, receive feedback, and may participate in brainstorming sessions or playtesting. The role is ideal for those looking to start a career in game development and gain hands-on experience in a collaborative environment.

What does a game designer intern do?

In a game designer intern role, you gain experience with designing video games as a student enrolled in a relevant college degree program. Your internship duties are to shadow your mentor as they teach you the responsibilities and skills game designers need to design and implement a vision into a working video game. You work with gaming clients under the oversight of your mentor to learn more about following client needs and goals to create their games. These positions are temporary, with design companies usually offering them over the summer months. Many companies pay their interns a salary throughout their internship, but some companies only provide unpaid positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game designer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Designer Intern, you need a solid grasp of game design principles, storytelling, and basic programming or scripting knowledge, often supported by coursework in game development or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and prototyping software, as well as version control systems, is highly valued. Creativity, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you effectively contribute ideas and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential for translating concepts into engaging gameplay experiences and collaborating efficiently in a dynamic development environment.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a game designer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Game Designer Intern, you can expect to contribute to various stages of the game development process, from brainstorming and prototyping new gameplay mechanics to assisting with level design and playtesting. Interns often collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and senior designers, gaining hands-on experience in refining game systems and balancing gameplay. You'll likely attend team meetings, provide feedback on in-development features, and help document design decisions. This role offers a valuable opportunity to learn industry best practices while building a portfolio of real-world projects.

What is the difference between Game Designer Intern vs Game Artist Intern?

AspectGame Designer InternGame Artist Intern
Required SkillsGame design principles, creativity, basic programmingArt skills, graphic design, 2D/3D modeling
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, game development studiosArt departments, visual development teams
Common Industry UsageUsed in game development companies focusing on gameplay and mechanicsUsed in studios focusing on visual assets and art creation

Game Designer Interns focus on creating gameplay mechanics, storylines, and user experience, while Game Artist Interns concentrate on visual assets, character design, and environment art. Both roles are essential in game development but serve different creative functions within the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Game Designer Intern jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Game Designer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Designer Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,519 per year, or $20 per hour.

Lighting Design Intern | Chicago, IL

IMEG

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


IMEG rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

100% Employee-Owned Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture

This posting is for Summer 2027 Internship opportunities.

IMEG is hiring an Architectural Lighting Intern in Chicago, IL. Over 10-12 weeks, you'll assist in the analysis, design, and implementation oversight of architectural lighting systems for a variety of building types. This paid, mentored internship offers hands-on involvement in real project work alongside experienced architectural lighting designers.

In this role, you'll support design and documentation tasks, help create client presentations, and contribute to project work while collaborating with cross-functional teams and staying mindful of project budgets and client expectations. You'll be part of a team whose work spans hospitality, mixed use, education, and related building environments, with a specialty focus on architectural lighting design and coordination.

At a Glance

Location: Chicago, IL

Discipline: Architectural Lighting

Markets: Hospitality; Mixed Use; Education; MEP

Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP)

Work Schedule: Full-time in office

Program Length: 10-12 week summer program

Sponsorship: Not available

What You'll Do

Assist with design portions of projects related to discipline systems according to code and IMEG standards

Research commercially available equipment and support luminaire selections, lighting layouts, illuminance targets, and design documentation

Help maintain client relations, project design notebooks, and permanent record documentation

Coordinate design and schedule activities with architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, technology, clerical, and equipment-supplier teams

Document design decisions, meetings, and client instructions while monitoring project design progress

Review project documents for accuracy and completeness prior to final check

Prepare and issue addendum information

Conduct periodic job site observations and provide other services required by the contract services agreement

Support project goals and client expectations while working within project monetary budgets

Create client presentations and document design selections in Revit or less frequently AutoCAD

What You'll Bring

Required

Completed at least 2 years towards a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, or Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design or equivalent required

Strong interest in architectural lighting design consulting

Previous exposure to CAD and/or BIM software

Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook

Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups

Preferred

Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred

About the Team

If you are a visionary designer who balances creative artistry with technical precision, we want you to join our dynamic team in New York City. We operate as a collaborative, national practice composed of studios in NYC, Detroit, Chicago, and Denver. In this role, you will collaborate on high-visibility, award-winning architectural lighting projects from initial concept to successful completion. You will work across a diverse range of vibrant sectors-including corporate workplace, hospitality, gaming, healthcare, multifamily, and sports and recreation. If you are ready to design alongside talented, lighting and multi-disciplinary colleagues and partner with an impressive roster of clients, we want to hear from you.

Why IMEG

We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet.

A paid internship with real, hands-on project work, not busywork

A structured program with an assigned mentor and a cohort of fellow interns

A clear path to full-time: many interns and co-ops convert to full-time roles at IMEG

IDEA Program: a firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology

Real impact from day one: at IMEG, an intern once became our Virtual Reality leader

Exposure across disciplines and offices at a 100+ office, employee-owned firm

MEG, our in-house AI platform, helps employees find information and build agents that streamline project workflows and calculations

State of Illinois Salary Range: $22.00/hr-$24.00/hr

The range listed above represents the base pay IMEG reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position in the work location identified above at the time of posting. For positions available in multiple locations, the minimums and maximums may vary based on work location.

Individual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors, including the candidate's experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and licensure and certifications.

Other rewards may include annual bonuses and stock ownership options. In addition, IMEG provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). This information is being provided in compliance with local laws. Additional information regarding employee benefits may be found on our company website at www.imegcorp.com.

Bring Your Career to IMEG

Apply today and help create thoughtful lighting environments that support clients, communities, and project success.

IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees' futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.

Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities? Please visit https://www.imegcorp.com/careers/.

IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard torace, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information(including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions includinglactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran'sstatus, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibitsdiscrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws andregulations.

All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email careers@imegcorp.com.


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