Unreal Engine C++ Developer

Job Title: Unreal Engine C++ Developer

Location: St. Louis, MO (Hybrid 2-3 days onsite)

Type: Contract role

Overview

We are supporting a flight simulation and pilot training initiative focused on high-fidelity mission visualization and real-time simulation environments.

This role is for a software engineer specializing in Unreal Engine (C++), not a designer or artist. The developer will be responsible for implementing core simulation logic, system integrations, and real-time application functionality to support training, sensor visualization, and mission scenarios.

Key Responsibilities

Unreal Engine Development (C++ Focus)

• Develop and implement application logic using Unreal Engine with C++ (not Blueprint-only)
• Load and manage DLC/plugins containing large 3D asset libraries (aircraft, naval systems, civilian models, etc.)
• Optimize and manage rendering of large-scale environments and dynamic assets
• Implement level-of-detail logic (e.g., converting MASS entities to full actors based on range/visibility)

Simulation & Systems Integration

• Implement and integrate simulation protocols including:
• DIS (Distributed Interactive Simulation)
• CIGI (Common Image Generator Interface)
• OMS (Open Mission Systems)
• Use protocol inputs to drive:
• Actor positioning
• Animation triggers
• Real-time simulation behavior
• Support proof-of-concepts and production implementations for simulation interoperability

User Interface & Data Visualization

• Develop UI components to support:
• Sensor data visualization
• Lat/Lon grid overlays on 3D globe environments
• User selections and highlighting
• Implement multiple camera modes (e.g., cinematic, tracking, cockpit perspectives)
• Build integrations to:
• Export simulation data to external data science platforms
• Consume input from external remote control/configuration systems

Networking & Multiplayer Systems

• Implement Unreal Engine networking features:
• Multiplayer replication
• State synchronization across multiple simulation instances
• Support real-time, synchronized simulation environments (e.g., multi-cockpit scenarios)

Simulation Features & Enhancements

• Contribute to development of advanced simulation capabilities including:
• Photogrammetry-based environments and 3D terrain (Cesium)
• Building and infrastructure data integration
• IR (infrared) sensor simulation and dynamic material responses
• SAR (synthetic aperture radar) simulation
• Weather systems and synchronized multi-environment conditions
• Time-of-day and control integrations (e.g., HOTAS via CIGI)
• Enhance realism and fidelity (lighting, shadows, materials, environmental effects)

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Unreal Engine development using C++
• Strong proficiency in C++ programming
• Experience building interactive, real-time 3D applications
• Understanding of:
• Game engine architecture
• Actor systems and scene management
• Performance optimization in real-time environments
• Ability to work as a software engineer (not a 3D artist or designer)

Preferred / Differentiating Experience

• Experience with simulation standards:
• DIS, CIGI, OMS (or similar)
• Background in:
• Aerospace, defense, or simulation environments
• Real-time data integration or visualization
• Familiarity with:
• Unreal networking and multiplayer systems
• Sensor simulation or physics-based modeling
• Large-scale geospatial environments (Cesium, GIS, etc.)

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What We Are NOT Looking For

• Blueprint-only Unreal developers without strong C++ experience
• Virtual production / film / green-screen backgrounds
• 3D artists, character modelers, or purely visual designers

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is a true software engineer who:

• Writes production-grade C++ in Unreal
• Understands real-time systems and simulation
• Can integrate external data and protocols into a live environment
• Is comfortable working in a complex, engineering-driven simulation ecosystem