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Internship – Unreal Engine Game Programming & Systems Integration

- Vacancy-

Internship – Unreal Engine Game Programming & Systems Integration (20 week)

Posted on October 27, 2025

Start Date: 02/02/2026

Duration: 20 week

FTE: 1

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Can you make a virtual ocean run faster, look better, and respond smarter? This internship places you at the technical core of Immersive Ocean, where performance meets functionality. You’ll architect and implement advanced game systems in Unreal Engine 5, optimize rendering pipelines for PC, and create dynamic gameplay mechanics that transform external data feeds into interactive experiences. Your work will directly shape how thousands of users interact with real-time ocean data.

About this job

Building the Engine Behind Ocean Decision-Making

We think that planning and decision-making about the maritime economy and marine ecosystems can become more intelligent, interactive and immersive. The ocean is vast, dynamic, and ever-changing. But what if you could see it, experience it, and shape it like never before? By making use of emerging digital technologies, such as games and virtual reality, we can connect geo, maritime and marine data, with eco modelling and maritime simulations. As a result of this vision, and a broader effort, the Immersive Ocean was created as the next-generation virtual twin that transforms the way maritime spatial planning (MSP) is done. No more static maps or complex GIS data. Immersive Ocean brings the ocean to life; a fully interactive, 3D world where planners, policymakers, and stakeholders can explore marine environments in stunning detail. Whether on PC or in Virtual Reality, you can navigate through dynamic real-time ocean simulations, visualize the impact of human activities, and make informed decisions backed by cutting-edge technology. More info: https://www.mspchallenge.info/immersive-ocean.html

About Cradle

Cradle is the Research & Development lab of the Academy for AI, Games & Media at Breda University of Applied Sciences. At this lab, cutting-edge, innovative games and media applications are designed and developed through projects conducted on behalf of and befitting four professorships: Digital Media Concepts; Creative & Entertainment Games; Applied Games, Innovation & Society; and Applied Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. Most of the projects at Cradle involve external partners and are funded by secondary (e.g. national or EU research grants) and tertiary sources (project-based contracts). Cradle has a staff pool of experienced, tech-savvy researchers, lecturers, designers, and developers. It also offers internships, individual graduation projects, collaborative team projects, as well as support, facilities, and equipment to students, staff, and partners.  

Project Goals

Core Systems Development:

  • Design and implement advanced gameplay mechanics and interactive systems in Unreal Engine 5 (C++ and Blueprint).
  • Develop robust backend architecture to support frontend functionality and user interactions.
  • Create modular, maintainable code structures that support rapid feature iteration.

Performance Optimization:

  • Profile and optimize rendering performance in PC hardware configurations.
  • Implement efficient data structures and algorithms for large-scale environmental simulations.
  • Improve balance between visual fidelity with frame rate stability and memory use.

Real-Time Data Integration:

  • Design and implement systems to consume live data feeds from external APIs (EMODnet, Copernicus, Open-Meteo, etc.).
  • Create dynamic visualization modes that respond to real-time environmental conditions.
  • Develop data parsing and transformation pipelines within the Unreal Engine environment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Software Engineering, Game Development, or Computer Science student (HBO/WO level).
  • Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine 5 (C++ and Blueprint required).
  • Good understanding of game engine architecture, rendering pipelines, and performance optimization.
  • Experience with object-oriented programming, design patterns, and software architecture.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work with complex systems.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with artists, designers, and researchers.
  • You are available for 6 months. Start/end date is negotiable.
  • You receive ECTS for doing an internship or thesis assignment as part of your study program.

Optional but Valuable:

  • Knowledge of geospatial data formats (GeoJSON, WFS/WMS) and real-time data streaming.
  • Familiarity with procedural generation techniques and rule-based systems.
  • Background in graphics programming (shaders, materials, post-processing).
  • Version control proficiency (Git) and agile development methodologies.
  • Passion for environmental applications and ocean technology.

 What we offer  

  • A financial compensation (where applicable)  
  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your ideas matter  
  • Unique portfolio project 
  • Networking opportunities with professionals and educators across Europe  
  • Support from experienced project managers, researchers, and creative professionals  
  • Ownership & Impact. Your contributions will be published, seen, and shared.   

Application process

Interested or do you have any questions? Please send your CV, portfolio and short motivation to cradle@buas.nl. You will receive a reply to your application two weeks after the closing date at latest.

External recruiters need not inquire