Virtual Reality Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes "Next Never Rests," and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.

Location:Champaign, IL

Workplace Category: Onsite

Travel Required:No

Direct Reports:No

Pay Range:$18.00-$27.00

Visa Sponsorship:Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Relocation: No

Position Overview:

The Boating Intelligence (BI) Design Lab is seeking a talented Computer Graphics Engineer to develop immersive simulations, digital twins, interactive prototypes and extended reality (XR) experiences that support product development, testing, training, and customer engagement. In this role, you will leverage game engines, 3D development tools, and modern software technologies to create realistic virtual environments and interactive experiences while integrating real-world marine systems and hardware. You will collaborate across engineering, design, and product teams to develop innovative solutions that help define the future of boating experiences.

At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.

Essential Functions:

• Design, develop, and maintain immersive simulation, visualization, and training applications using Unreal Engine, and other real-time 3D technologies.

• Develop realistic marine environments, vessel simulations, and interactive experiences for product development, validation, demonstrations, and user testing.

• Design and implement gameplay systems, interaction logic, user interfaces, and simulation workflows.

• Develop rapid prototypes to evaluate new technologies, user experiences, and future product concepts.

• Integrate simulation platforms with physical hardware, embedded controllers, sensors, displays, and external devices.

• Develop and maintain communication interfaces using protocols such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP, CAN, Serial, and other industry-standard communication technologies.

• Create, integrate, and optimize 3D assets, animations, visual effects, audio systems, and interactive content.

• Develop internal tools, plugins, and automation workflows that improve engineering, design, and content creation processes.

• Create XR applications and experiences utilizing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies.

• Collaborate with software, embedded, UX, and product teams to develop innovative customer and engineering solutions.

• Optimize performance, scalability, and reliability across desktop, XR, and simulator platforms.

• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve software, graphics, and hardware integration issues.

• Document software architecture, development processes, and technical solutions.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled at University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign and seeking a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Graphics, Game Development, or a related technical field.

• Experience developing applications using Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar real-time 3D development platforms.

• Strong programming skills in C++, C#, Python, or similar programming languages.

• Experience developing interactive applications, simulations, visualization systems, or games.

• Understanding of computer graphics fundamentals, including rendering pipelines, shaders, lighting, materials, and optimization techniques.

• Experience working with software architecture, debugging, and performance optimization.

• Knowledge of networking fundamentals and communication protocols.

• Understanding of 3D mathematics, geometry, and physics concepts.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Unreal Engine C++ development and Blueprint systems.

• Experience developing XR applications using VR, AR, or Mixed Reality technologies.

• Experience with hardware integration, embedded systems, or connected devices.

• Experience developing simulation, digital twin, visualization, or training applications.

• Experience creating custom tools, plugins, and workflow automation solutions.

• Experience with Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, or other 3D content creation tools.

• Knowledge of rendering techniques such as ray tracing, path tracing, shaders, and GPU optimization.

• Experience with game design, interaction design, animation systems, visual effects, or audio integration.

• Familiarity with HIL/SIL testing environments and real-time communication systems.

• Experience in marine, automotive, robotics, aerospace, off-road, or industrial applications.

• Passion for emerging technologies including AI, XR, simulation, and immersive user experiences.

Working Conditions:

• Learning Opportunities: Our Student Program is designed to provide hands-on experience in a professional setting. You will work alongside experienced professionals and get a chance to apply your academic knowledge to real-world tasks.

• Project Work: The work environment is supportive, collaborative, and conducive to learning. Student co-ops or interns typically work on specific projects or tasks that contribute to the organization's goals. This may range from supporting larger projects to handling smaller, individual assignments.

• Hours: Co-ops and Interns are expected to work a full 40-hour work week

• Feedback and Performance Reviews: As a co-op or intern, you will receive feedback and performance reviews throughout your assignment. We value the importance for interns to understand their progress and areas for improvement.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $27.00 per hour. The actual hourly rate offered will vary depending on multiple factors including year in school/credits earned, degree, job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location.

At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate's qualifications and the business context.

About the Company:

Why Brunswick:

Whatever tomorrow brings, we'll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we're committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer valuable benefits including a competitive 401(k) plan with company match, health benefits, paid time off, a robust Wellness Program, and much more. In addition, we're proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!

Next is Now!

We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.

Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.comfor support.

Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies

Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942.

All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers. If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com.

For more information about EEO laws, - click here

Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify.