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Senior Unreal Engine Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity We're looking for a Senior Motion Designer who leads through craft. This is a hands ... Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies. * Experience ...

Tt

Computational Designer

Chicago, IL

$70K - $85K/yr

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world's challenges ... Unreal Engine); and scripting or automation (Python, C#, or similar) * A portfolio showcasing ...

International Motors, LLC

Senior Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$84K - $127K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Engineer , Product Compliance supports complex compliance activities ... Support engine and vehicle exemption control process and reporting to agencies. * Analyze engine ...

Xylem

Senior Software Developer

Morton Grove, IL

$54.25 - $71.75/hr

About the Role As Senior Software Developer, you will be a key technical contributor on a ... Experience with a production authorization policy engine and a point of view on decoupling policy ...

Erm

Visual Simulations Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $121K/yr

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to communicate complex engineering and environmental ... Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity for real-time interactive environments. Key Responsibilities:

New

ERM

Visual Simulations Technician

Chicago, IL

$95K - $121K/yr

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to communicate complex engineering and environmental ... Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity for real-time interactive environments. Key Responsibilities:

New

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All JobsUnreal Engine Developer JobsSenior Unreal Engine Developer JobsSenior Unreal Engine Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Unreal Engine Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$82.7K

$168.4K

How much do senior unreal engine developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior unreal engine developer in Chicago, IL is $82,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,800.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Unreal Engine Developer vs Unreal Engine Programmer?

AspectSenior Unreal Engine DeveloperUnreal Engine Programmer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science, game design, or related field; extensive experience in Unreal EngineOften requires a degree or coding background; focus on programming skills in C++ and Blueprints
Work EnvironmentLeads development teams, manages project scope, and designs gameplay featuresFocuses on coding, debugging, and implementing gameplay mechanics
Industry UsageUsed across AAA and indie game studios, VR/AR projects, and simulation companiesPrimarily in game development, simulation, and visualization projects

The main difference is that a Senior Unreal Engine Developer oversees project design and team coordination, while an Unreal Engine Programmer concentrates on coding and implementing features. Both roles require strong Unreal Engine knowledge, but the developer role involves more leadership and project management responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior Unreal Engine developer?

To thrive as a Senior Unreal Engine Developer, you need advanced knowledge of C++ programming, Unreal Engine's Blueprints system, and a strong background in 3D graphics or game development, typically supported by a relevant degree or extensive experience. Expertise in Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5), version control systems like Git, and familiarity with game development pipelines and debugging tools are essential. Problem-solving, creative thinking, and strong communication skills help in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and driving innovative solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial to building high-quality, performant interactive experiences and leading complex projects to successful completion.

What are some common challenges faced by senior Unreal Engine developers when leading project teams?

Senior Unreal Engine Developers often navigate challenges such as balancing hands-on technical work with mentoring and supporting junior team members. They are responsible for ensuring code quality and project deadlines are met while troubleshooting complex performance or integration issues. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with artists, designers, and producers, requiring strong communication skills to align technical solutions with creative vision. Effectively prioritizing tasks and adapting to evolving project requirements are key to success in this role.

What is a senior Unreal Engine developer?

Senior Unreal Engine Developers are experienced software engineers who specialize in using Unreal Engine, a popular game development platform, to design and build complex interactive applications, video games, simulations, and virtual environments. They are proficient in programming languages such as C++ and Blueprints, and often lead teams, oversee project architecture, optimize performance, and ensure best practices are followed. Senior developers also mentor junior staff, collaborate closely with artists and designers, and contribute to the creative and technical aspects of a project. Their expertise is crucial for delivering high-quality, efficient, and visually appealing products.
What are the most commonly searched types of Unreal Engine Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Unreal Engine Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Unreal Engine Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Unreal Engine Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Senior Unreal Engine Developer jobs near you

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Thinkingbox

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

Hi! We’re The Heist, the motion design, live action, and post production studio within Thinkingbox, the Brief-to-Built agency.

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that moves. From brand films to broadcast spots to social campaigns and experiential content, our team blends craft and curiosity to push ideas further. Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work seriously. Ourselves, a little less so.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Senior Motion Designer who leads through craft. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives inside the work while helping elevate the people around them.

You’ll partner closely with Art Directors and Creative Directors to transform ideas into exceptional motion. Whether you’re developing styleframes, designing key moments, building 3D scenes, or refining animation, you’ll help establish the creative standard for every project you touch.

Beyond execution, you’ll be a trusted teammate who mentors others, tackles creative and technical challenges, and helps guide projects through production with confidence and attention to detail.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Design and animate compelling 2D and 3D motion graphics across a wide range of styles and platforms.
  • Develop storyboards, styleframes, and motion explorations that support the creative vision.
  • Collaborate with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Producers, and fellow designers throughout production.
  • Take ownership of complex assignments, solving creative and technical challenges independently.
  • Help maintain a high level of craft, consistency, and polish across every deliverable.
  • Provide thoughtful feedback and mentorship to junior designers, helping raise the quality of the team.
  • Stay current with emerging tools, workflows, and technologies that improve both process and creative output.
  • Accurately estimate effort, communicate progress, and help projects stay on schedule.
What You'll Bring
  • 5+ years of professional experience in motion design, animation, or a related creative field.
  • A portfolio demonstrating exceptional design taste, animation principles, and versatility across styles.
  • Advanced proficiency in After Effects, Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Strong understanding of typography, composition, color, pacing, and visual storytelling.
  • Experience working within professional production pipelines from concept through final delivery.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
  • A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the confidence to own work while supporting the team.
Bonus Points!
  • Houdini, X-Particles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter.
  • Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies.
  • Experience with live action, editorial, or VFX pipelines.
Additional Info
  • Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional)
  • Flexible time off, including paid vacation and sick days
  • Consistent culture and team-building events
  • Employee recognition and incentive programs
  • Seasonal celebrations and gatherings throughout the year 
  • Office lunches 
  • Branded company swag
  • Access to industry events, learning opportunities, and non-profit outreaches
  • Dog-friendly offices
  • Unlimited coffee, drinks, and snacks
  • Flex work and travel options
  • Comprehensive extended health benefits
  • 401k matching
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as internal equity, candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. If your compensation expectations fall outside of this range, we still welcome your application.

Equal Opportunity

At The Heist, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity is our creative strength – it's the range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that fuels our best ideas and most innovative solutions. We welcome and encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, genders, identities, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to apply. Your voice matters here.

To Apply

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Please submit your resume along with links to your online portfolio as part of your application (if applicable). Due to the volume of applications we receive, we’re unable to respond to every submission. However, all applications are kept in our talent database and will be considered for future opportunities.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.