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Unreal Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Realtimevfx

Graphic Programmer (Shader/VFX)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

[HIRING] Hey everyone We're looking for a Graphic Programmer to join a Ukrainian hyper-casual mobile ... Unity/HLSL (Unreal/GLSL also fine), understanding of mobile GPU Fully remote, flexible schedule ...

HERE Technologies

Sr. Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

We are hiring a Senior Simulation Engineer to own core simulation and geospatial systems that ... with Unreal Engine or related simulation environments The expected base salary range for this ...

HERE Technologies

Sr. Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

We are hiring a Senior Simulation Engineer to own core simulation and geospatial systems that ... with Unreal Engine or related simulation environments The expected base salary range for this ...

HERE Technologies

Sr. Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

We are hiring a Senior Simulation Engineer to own core simulation and geospatial systems that ... with Unreal Engine or related simulation environments The expected base salary range for this ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Champaign, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Dekalb, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

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All JobsUnreal Programmer JobsUnreal Programmer Jobs in Illinois

Unreal Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$38

$66

How much do unreal programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal programmer in Illinois is $38.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $49.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unreal programmer?

Unreal Programmers are software developers who specialize in using Unreal Engine, a widely-used game development platform, to design, develop, and optimize interactive experiences, primarily video games. They write code, often in C++, to implement gameplay mechanics, user interfaces, artificial intelligence, and other systems within Unreal Engine. Unreal Programmers collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other team members to bring creative visions to life and ensure smooth, efficient performance. Their work may also include debugging, optimizing code, and integrating third-party tools or plugins. Strong knowledge of Unreal Engine’s architecture and best programming practices is essential for this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an unreal programmer?

To thrive as an Unreal Programmer, you need strong proficiency in C++ programming, a solid grasp of computer science fundamentals, and experience with Unreal Engine’s architecture and workflows. Familiarity with source control systems, debugging tools, and Unreal Engine certifications are often required, along with expertise in Blueprints and asset integration. Excellent problem-solving skills, collaboration, and adaptability help you work efficiently with designers and artists to deliver high-quality interactive experiences. These skills ensure you can build efficient, scalable game systems and effectively contribute to complex development projects.

What challenges do unreal programmers face when working on large-scale game projects?

Unreal Programmers often encounter challenges related to optimizing performance and managing complex codebases, especially in large-scale game projects. Ensuring smooth gameplay across platforms requires deep knowledge of Unreal Engine's systems and best practices for memory and CPU/GPU usage. Collaboration with designers, artists, and other engineers is essential to integrate features efficiently and maintain stability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are key to navigating these challenges and delivering high-quality results.

What is the difference between Unreal Programmer vs Game Developer?

AspectUnreal ProgrammerGame Developer
Required SkillsProficiency in Unreal Engine, C++, Blueprint scriptingVaries; may include programming, design, art, and project management
Work EnvironmentGame studios using Unreal Engine, often in tech-heavy rolesBroader; includes indie, AAA, mobile, and various platforms
CertificationsUnreal Engine certifications, programming credentialsNone specific; varies by specialization
Industry UsagePrimarily in companies developing with Unreal EngineAcross all game development companies and platforms

While Unreal Programmers focus on developing and optimizing games using Unreal Engine, Game Developers have a broader role that can include design, scripting, and project management across various engines and platforms. Unreal Programmers typically possess specialized skills in Unreal Engine and C++, whereas Game Developers may have diverse skill sets depending on their focus area.

Do I need to learn C++ for Unreal Programmer?

Yes, learning C++ is essential for an Unreal Programmer because Unreal Engine primarily uses C++ for game development and scripting. Proficiency in C++ allows for more advanced customization and optimization within Unreal projects.

Is it hard to get a job as an Unreal Programmer?

Getting a job as an Unreal Programmer can be competitive, requiring strong skills in C++, 3D graphics, and experience with Unreal Engine. Building a solid portfolio, gaining relevant certifications, and staying updated with industry trends can improve employment prospects.
Unreal Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,687 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Graphic Programmer (Shader/VFX)

Realtimevfx

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

[HIRING] Hey everyone We’re looking for a Graphic Programmer to join a Ukrainian hyper-casual mobile game studio, 300M+ downloads. Product — hyper-casual mobile games where every visual detail matters — satisfying effects, smooth animations, and shaders that make players think “wait, how did they do that?”

What you’ll be doing:
  • Writing shaders and developing new graphics technologies
  • Creating satisfying visual effects and animations
  • Optimizing unconventional graphics for mobile devices
  • Working on hyper-casual titles with potential expansion to PC
What we’re looking for:
  • Experience with shaders, rendering, and animations
  • Strong math: trigonometry, vector math, matrices
  • Understanding of tweens/easings
  • Creative and artistic eye — style, color, composition
  • Unity/HLSL (Unreal/GLSL also fine), understanding of mobile GPU

Fully remote, flexible schedule Small team, no bureaucracy, no rigid deadlines Open to Ukrainian and Belarusian candidates

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