XR Unreal Engine Developer Intern – SenseGlove × European Space Agency (ESA)

6 months Fulltime| Rotterdam

What we do

Are you already building real projects in Unreal Engine and want to work on cutting-edge XR systems in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA)

We are looking for a hands-on Unreal Engine developer intern to contribute to a joint project between SenseGlove and ESA’s Orbital Robotics Laboratory.

This is a hands-on technical internship: you will work on real XR systems used for astronaut training while receiving mentorship from experienced Unreal Engine developers.

About the Project

At SenseGlove, we develop haptic gloves and XR interaction technology built on OpenXR and Unreal Engine.

In collaboration with ESA, you will contribute to the development of an Augmented Reality training environment for microgravity operations.

This system allows astronauts to train robotic and maintenance tasks in a simulated microgravity environment using:

• A frictionless floor simulating weightlessness

• VR/AR headset with motion tracking

• Real-world objects mapped into virtual space

• Haptic gloves for interacting with floating virtual objects

Your work will directly contribute to a real training system used in ESA’s lab.

This is an internship position intended for students currently enrolled in a relevant educational program. If you are already working professionally as a software or game developer and are looking for a regular developer position, this internship is not the appropriate role.

What You’ll Work On

You will design and implement a reusable XR interaction system, including:

• Hand-based interaction (grabbing, releasing, manipulating)

• Physics-based behavior for floating objects

• Gesture-driven interactions

• Tool interaction (e.g. drills, maintenance equipment)

You will also contribute to:

• Integrating VICON motion capture data into Unreal Engine

• Aligning real-world and virtual environments

• Building a production-quality simulation, not just a prototype

Technical Scope

• OpenXR-based plugin integration
• Unreal Engine (Blueprints and/or C++)
• Hand tracking + haptic input (SenseGlove Nova 2)
• VICON tracking + sensor fusion
• VR/AR interaction design
• Real-time simulation and validation

Work Setup

Part time at ESA (Noordwijk) and part time at SenseGlove (Rotterdam)

Important Eligibility Requirement

Due to ESA access regulations, only candidates from ESA Member States, Associate Members, or Cooperating States are eligible.

Due to ESA access regulations, only candidates from ESA Member States, Associate Members, or Cooperating States are eligible.

Due to ESA access regulations, only candidates from ESA Member States, Associate Members, or Cooperating States are eligible.

See full list here: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/Member_States_Cooperating_States

Applications that do not meet this requirement cannot be considered.

**What You’ll Do

**

• Build XR interaction systems in Unreal Engine

• Implement realistic hand-object interactions

• Integrate tracking systems (VICON, headset sensors, gloves)

• Design clean, reusable, and scalable systems

• Develop demo scenarios (e.g. operating a drill in microgravity)

• Test and validate your work in a real lab environment

• Work independently while collaborating with experienced engineers

Who We’re Looking For

This position is intended for students or early-career developers seeking internship-level professional experience.

• Strong hands-on experience with Unreal Engine (required)

• A portfolio / GitHub / demo projects (required)

• Experience with Blueprint scripting and/or C++

• Experience building interactive systems (not just following tutorials)

• Interest in XR, interaction design, or simulation systems

• Ability to work independently and take ownership

This is NOT for you if:

• You only have tutorial-based experience

• You are looking for a thesis-only or research-only internship

• You are not comfortable building systems in Unreal Engine daily

• You cannot provide examples of real projects

• You are an established professional developer looking for a regular junior, mid-level, or senior engineering position.

Nice to Have

• Experience with VR/XR development

• Familiarity with VR Expansion Plugin (strong plus)

• Physics-based interaction systems

• Experience with motion tracking (e.g. VICON)

• Interest in robotics, space systems, or human-computer interaction

• Experience with OpenXR

What We Offer

• Work on a real ESA project with tangible impact

• A unique combination of industry + space research

• Direct mentorship from experienced Unreal Engine developers

• Access to advanced XR hardware and lab environments

• A standout portfolio project in XR and simulation

• €800 monthly compensation

• Team lunches, snacks, and team events

• A collaborative, international R&D environment

Application Requirements

To apply, you must include:

• Links to Unreal Engine projects (GitHub, video, or builds)

• A short explanation of what you built and your role

Applications without demonstrated practical experience will not be considered.

What Else Is Good To Know?

Contact us right away

If you are interested, please send us your resume and a letter indicating your motivation regarding the job description and your experience regarding the skill set. If you have additional questions, feel free to give us a call : 015 200 2148

Apply for

XR Unreal Engine Developer Internship – SenseGlove × European Space Agency (ESA)

Tell us what makes you special and why we should hire you and we’ll let you know if we’re interested in an introductory meeting.

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