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Unreal Engine Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies. * Experience ...

Tt

Computational Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Your Role As a Computational Designer & Visualization Specialist in our Chicago office, you will ... Unreal Engine); and scripting or automation (Python, C#, or similar) * A portfolio showcasing ...

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that ... Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies. * Experience ...

Erm

Visual Simulations Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $121K/yr

Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity for real-time interactive environments. Key Responsibilities ... and infrastructure designs to public audiences. * Maintain high technical and visual quality ...

ERM

Visual Simulations Technician

Chicago, IL

$95K - $121K/yr

Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity for real-time interactive environments. Key Responsibilities ... and infrastructure designs to public audiences. * Maintain high technical and visual quality ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... engine-based implementation, and iterative design refinement. Guides students through designing ...

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All JobsUnreal Engine Designer JobsUnreal Engine Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Unreal Engine Designer information

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$80.6K

$91.2K

$99.8K

How much do unreal engine designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for unreal engine designer in Chicago, IL is $91,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,200.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Unreal Engine designer?

An Unreal Engine Designer is a professional who uses Unreal Engine, a powerful real-time 3D creation tool, to design and build interactive experiences such as video games, simulations, and virtual environments. They create assets, design levels, implement gameplay mechanics, and often collaborate with artists, programmers, and other team members. Their work involves both creative and technical skills, including visual design, scripting, and optimization for performance. Unreal Engine Designers are essential in the development of immersive and visually stunning digital experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unreal Engine designer?

To thrive as an Unreal Engine Designer, you need strong 3D modeling and animation skills, a solid grasp of game design principles, and proficiency in Unreal Engine, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Blueprint Visual Scripting, C++, and digital content creation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Photoshop) is commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and attributes are crucial for building engaging, high-quality interactive experiences and collaborating efficiently on complex development projects.

What are some common challenges Unreal Engine designers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Unreal Engine Designers often work closely with artists, programmers, and producers, which can present challenges such as aligning creative visions and integrating assets seamlessly into the game engine. Communication is key, as technical constraints and design intentions must be clearly understood by all team members to avoid rework or delays. It's important for designers to remain flexible, adapt to feedback, and use collaborative tools like version control and project management software to maintain workflow efficiency and project consistency.

What are popular job titles related to Unreal Engine Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Unreal Engine Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Unreal Engine Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Unreal Engine Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Unreal Engine Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Unreal Engine Designer job openings:

Unreal Engine Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,233 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Thinkingbox

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 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
$85,000 - $95,000 a year
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.
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