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

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Work with engineering and art teams to develop custom shaders from scratch * Work across several ... Unity, Unreal, Proprietary Engine) * Portfolio demonstrating the technical artistic ability, with a ...

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Work with engineering and art teams to develop custom shaders from scratch * Work across several ... Unity, Unreal, Proprietary Engine) * Portfolio demonstrating the technical artistic ability, with a ...

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ...

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ...

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ...

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ...

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ...

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ...

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ...

... Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ...

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Unreal Engine Developer information

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How much do unreal engine developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal engine developer in Chicago, IL is $54.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.63 and $66.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Unreal Engine developer?

An Unreal Engine Developer is a software engineer or game developer who specializes in using Unreal Engine to create interactive experiences, games, simulations, and virtual environments. They work with C++ and Blueprints to design gameplay mechanics, optimize performance, and implement visuals and physics. Their role can also involve debugging, collaborating with artists and designers, and integrating third-party tools to enhance the user experience.

What are the primary responsibilities of an Unreal Engine developer on a project team?

Unreal Engine Developers are typically responsible for designing, coding, and optimizing gameplay features, user interfaces, or immersive environments within the Unreal Engine platform. Daily tasks may include writing and debugging C++ code, creating or integrating assets using Blueprints, and collaborating with artists, designers, and other programmers to implement core functionalities. They also participate in team meetings to align on project milestones and resolve technical challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that the final product meets both creative vision and technical standards, making Unreal Engine Developers crucial contributors to successful interactive software projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Unreal Engine developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unreal Engine Developer, you need a solid grasp of C++ programming, 3D mathematics, and real-time rendering concepts, often supported by a degree in computer science, game development, or related fields. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine's Blueprint system, version control software (like Git), and, in some cases, certification from Epic Games or relevant online courses is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication are essential for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and addressing development challenges. These abilities ensure efficient production of high-quality interactive experiences and smooth integration within fast-paced development environments.

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 Unreal Engine Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,307 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$108K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The Software Platform Solutions (SPS) SceneGen (Scene Generation) team within the Northrop Grumman Mission Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing high fidelity virtual hardware and test automation capabilities to our customers to enable testing of embedded software without real hardware. Come be a part of our mission!
The SPS SceneGen team seeks a talented Software Engineer with an interest in video game engines, scientific visualization, image processing and/or tools development to join our growing team in Rolling Meadows, IL. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will join our diverse team and be responsible for architecture, design, implementation, and integration of game engine technology to simulate radio-metrically correct scenes for our mission critical sensors and algorithm development. You will be working with a highly innovative and fast paced team.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Software Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 5 years of engineering experience, or a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 3 years of engineering experience or in lieu of degree an additional 4 years of engineering experience.
  • Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Editor, and Unreal Blueprints
  • Experience with C++ or similar language using object-oriented development
  • Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience with software engineering
  • Familiarity with computer graphics principles
  • Familiarity with automated testing and continuous integration frameworks
  • Familiarity with version control systems (GitHub, Bitbucket, ClearCase) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Interim secret clearance prior to start. Once started, must have the ability to obtain and maintain DoD secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with game engines, scientific visualization, or image processing
  • Software architecture skills (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Experience with general purpose GPU (gpGPU) development
  • Experience with CUDA development
  • Experience with video game engine development
  • Experience with video game development
  • Experience with physics engines
  • Familiarity with camera systems and optics

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939