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Game Programmer Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

OceanComm, Inc.

Engineering Intern / Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves attenuate quickly underwater ...

OceanComm, Inc.

Engineering Intern / Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves attenuate quickly underwater ...

OceanComm, Inc.

Engineering Intern / Co-op

Chicago, IL

$35 - $55/hr

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves attenuate quickly underwater ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Programmer Intern JobsGame Programmer Intern Jobs in Illinois

Game Programmer Intern information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$89.8K

$168.1K

How much do game programmer intern jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programmer intern in Illinois is $89,766.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23,300.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game programmer intern?

A Game Programmer Intern is an entry-level position where you assist in developing and optimizing game code under the guidance of experienced programmers. Responsibilities may include coding gameplay mechanics, fixing bugs, and collaborating with designers and artists. Interns often work with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and use programming languages such as C++ or C#. This role provides hands-on experience in the game development process and helps build a strong foundation for a career in the industry.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as a game programmer intern?

As a Game Programmer Intern, you'll typically be assigned to small-scale features, bug fixes, or tools that support the main development team. You may work on tasks such as implementing gameplay mechanics, optimizing code, fixing bugs, or writing support scripts under the guidance of experienced programmers. Most internships involve close mentorship and regular feedback, ensuring you gain a solid understanding of game development workflows and collaborative practices. This hands-on experience allows you to build your technical skills, contribute to real projects, and prepare for a full-time role in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game programmer intern?

To thrive as a Game Programmer Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming languages such as C++ or C#, foundational knowledge of computer science principles, and a strong interest in game development. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems (e.g., Git), and basic debugging tools is highly beneficial. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and good communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for meaningful contribution to development teams, learning on the job, and successfully collaborating in fast-paced game studio environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Programmer Intern jobs in Illinois?

For Game Programmer Intern jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Programmer Intern jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Programmer Intern jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Game Programmer Intern jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Game Programmer Intern job openings:

Game Programmer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Programmer Intern job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,766 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Software Engineer, Intern (Summer 2027)

Aquatic Capital Management

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Aquatic was founded with a shared passion for tackling some of the most complex challenges in one of the world's most competitive arenas-global financial markets. From the very beginning, we have been driven by a deep commitment to applying cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation to deliver unparalleled performance. Our journey is one of continuous growth and exploration, marked by a spirit of curiosity and relentless drive for excellence.
As a Software Engineering Intern at Aquatic, you will join a fast-moving team building high-performance, distributed systems that power our research and trading infrastructure. You'll work closely with experienced engineers and quants to design tools, improve system reliability, and optimize our platform for low-latency, high-throughput data processing. This is a hands-on, impactful role-your work will directly influence live systems and research workflows.
Requirements:
  • Active student pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in mathematics, statistics, machine learning, physics, computer science, or other scientific disciplines with an expected graduation date between Fall 2027 and Summer 2028.
  • Solid programming skills in Python and/or C++
  • Strong understanding of algorithms, systems, and computer architecture
  • Curiosity about how things work, and a desire to build systems that do things better
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
  • Learn software design and testing techniques, such as Refactoring and Test Driven Development

Candidate qualities:
  • Strong bias for action
  • Driven by accountability and internal urgency
  • Desire to independently seek best solutions
  • Preference for working in a team that focuses on delivering results aligned with Research goals
  • Comfortable providing and receiving actionable feedback in a collaborative team setting
  • Motivated by an ambitious environment and driven colleagues

Benefits:
  • Benefits: For full-time employees, fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, competitive 401k plan, employer-paid life & disability insurance
  • Perks: Wellness programs, casual dress, snacks, lunch, game room, team and company events
  • Development: Open environment to maximize learning and knowledge sharing
  • Time: Generous PTO, paid holidays, competitive paid caregiver leaves

Aquatic Capital
This role represents a unique opportunity to join a quantitative investment manager in its early stage of growth. The firm's culture will be shaped by collaboration, meritocracy, ambition, and calm determination.
Aquatic is a proud equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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