1

Unreal Engine Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time rendering engines for robotics visualization. * Background in manipulation simulation: contact modeling, grasp planning, dexterous multi-fingered hand ...

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA

$144K - $173K/yr

Profile and optimize across GPU and CPU in Unreal Engine, supporting both interactive use and large-scale batch simulation. Identify bottlenecks, codify the fixes as patterns, and make sure the team ...

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA · Remote

$130K - $155K/yr

Profile and optimize across GPU and CPU in Unreal Engine, supporting both interactive use and large-scale batch simulation. Identify bottlenecks, codify the fixes as patterns, and make sure the team ...

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$144K - $173K/yr

Profile and optimize across GPU and CPU in Unreal Engine, supporting both interactive use and large-scale batch simulation. Identify bottlenecks, codify the fixes as patterns, and make sure the team ...

Senior AI Engineer

San Rafael, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $190K/yr

In this role you will build systems and features that support a rich open world in Unreal Engine 5. ... Build performant, well-architected C++ systems optimized for large-scale simulation and open-world ...

Character Technical Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Familiarity with cloth, hair, or physics simulation workflows in Unreal Engine. * Experience with performance profiling and optimization on console hardware. * Previous experience establishing or ...

Character Technical Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Familiarity with cloth, hair, or physics simulation workflows in Unreal Engine. * Experience with performance profiling and optimization on console hardware. * Previous experience establishing or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Unreal Engine Simulation information

See salary details

$39K

$123.4K

$190.5K

How much do unreal engine simulation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for unreal engine simulation in the United States is $123,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Unreal Engine Simulation vs 3D Environment Artist?

AspectUnreal Engine Simulation3D Environment Artist
Required SkillsUnreal Engine proficiency, programming, physics, scripting3D modeling, texturing, artistic design
Work EnvironmentGame development, virtual prototyping, training simulationsGame studios, film, visualization projects
Industry UsageSimulation, training, virtual productionGame art, environment design, visual storytelling

Unreal Engine Simulation focuses on creating interactive, physics-based virtual environments using Unreal Engine, often requiring programming and technical skills. In contrast, a 3D Environment Artist specializes in designing visually appealing environments through modeling and texturing. While both roles work within the Unreal Engine ecosystem, Unreal Engine Simulation emphasizes functionality and interactivity, whereas 3D Environment Artists prioritize artistic quality and aesthetics.

What are some common challenges faced when developing simulations using Unreal Engine, and how can new team members effectively address them?

Developing simulations in Unreal Engine often involves navigating complex real-time rendering, integrating physics, and optimizing performance for smooth user experiences. New team members may encounter challenges with managing large asset libraries, ensuring accurate simulation of real-world phenomena, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams such as artists, programmers, and subject matter experts. To address these challenges, it's helpful to become familiar with Unreal Engine's documentation, utilize version control systems, and maintain open communication with teammates to streamline workflows and share best practices.

What is Unreal Engine Simulation?

Unreal Engine Simulation refers to the use of Unreal Engine, a powerful real-time 3D creation tool, to create interactive and realistic simulations. These simulations can model real-world environments, physical systems, or scenarios for purposes such as training, visualization, research, or entertainment. Unreal Engine offers advanced graphics, physics, and artificial intelligence capabilities, making it popular for industries like gaming, architecture, automotive, and aerospace. Professionals use it to build immersive experiences that closely mimic real-life conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unreal Engine Simulation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unreal Engine Simulation Specialist, you need strong proficiency in 3D modeling, programming (especially C++ and Blueprints), and a solid understanding of real-time rendering principles, supported by a degree or relevant experience in computer science, game design, or a related field. Experience with Unreal Engine, source control systems like Git, and certifications such as Unreal Authorized Instructor are highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills enable the development of high-quality, interactive, and performant simulations that meet client or project requirements.
Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Simulation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 64% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,399 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Software Design Engineer/Game Developer 4

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

Develop new functionality, diagnose and fix software defects for distributed simulations, game-based training systems and applications. Applications are implemented in C++ with Unreal Engine 5 and are deployed to Windows and Linux environments.

Responsibilities
  • Architect and develop UE5-based real-time simulation environments for DoD training and analysis programs.
  • Design and implement custom UE5 engine plugins, modules, and rendering extensions using C++ and OOD principles.
  • Profile, debug, and optimize render performance including GPU/CPU bottleneck resolution and memory management.
  • Support customer-directed research and development activities.
  • Support for integration and test activities.
  • Investigate and fix defects in a UE5 project.
  • On-site development.
Required Experience/Qualifications
  • Object Oriented design background 
  • Advanced Knowledge of C++
  • Extensive Unreal Engine development experience
  • Experience with performance profiling, memory optimization, and multi-threaded game/sim engine code
  • Proficient in writing and extending custom UE5 Plugins and subsystems
  • Ability to test, diagnose problems, and implement fixes
  • Experience with GIT source control tools
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as electrical engineering, computer science, information technology, systems or software engineering from an accredited college or university.  Experience may be considered in lieu of degree 
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience in real-time 3D, simulation, or games
  • 3+ years of hands-on development with Unreal Engine 4/5 in a professional or DoD program context
Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • First or third person game development
  • Networking, VMs, Kubernetes, Docker, Python scripting
  • Experience with Image Generators or Terrain Generation tools
  • DoD simulation-based application development
  • Experience integrating with CIGI-compliant host applications
  • Familiarity with GIS concepts, including WGS84, coordinate systems, and industry-standard formats
  • Experience with Cesium for Unreal
  • Familiarity with HLSL for custom rendering pipeline work
Special Requirements/Security Clearance

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a secret security clearance with the ability to pass a CI polygraph if requested by the customer. Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job.

Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

  • Medical, Dental & Visio
  • Coverage
  • Wellness Program
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Education & Training
  • Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.

Employment Type: OTHER