Senior Unreal Engine Developer (Photorealistic Simulation & Rendering)

Senior Unreal Engine Developer (Photorealistic Simulation & Rendering)Location: Berlin (Onsite)About UsWe are a defense technology startup based in Berlin, building the next generation defense layer against aerial threats. Our systems combine robotics, sensing, embedded platforms, and real-time software to operate reliably in complex environments.Operating in stealth mode, we emphasize engineering rigor, visual realism, and operational credibility. Our simulation environments are not built for entertainment — they are used to validate mission-critical robotic systems under realistic conditions.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Unreal Engine Developer with a strong focus on photorealistic simulation and advanced rendering in Unreal Engine 5.In this role, you will design and implement high-fidelity digital environments that replicate complex urban and terrain scenarios with accurate lighting, materials, and environmental effects. Your work will directly support robotics testing and system validation, ensuring that simulated environments closely resemble real-world operational conditions.This role focuses primarily on visual realism, rendering performance, and sensor-level simulation, while collaborating with robotics and simulation engineers for system integration.This position requires onsite work in Berlin and eligibility for German security clearance.Key ResponsibilitiesPhotorealistic Environment DevelopmentDesign and build high-fidelity environments in Unreal Engine 5 (Nanite, Lumen)Develop realistic urban, terrain, and infrastructure scenariosImplement advanced material systems and physically accurate lighting setupsCreate environmental dynamics such as weather, dust, heat haze, and atmospheric effectsAdvanced Rendering & Visual AccuracyDevelop and optimize real-time rendering pipelinesImplement custom shaders for: IR camera simulation, Range-finder visualization, Sensor noise and optical distortion effects, Beam visualization and propagation effectsEnsure physically plausible light interaction and surface behaviorBalance photorealism with real-time performance constraintsSimulation Support & IntegrationCollaborate with robotics simulation engineers to align visual outputs with system requirementsSupport integration with external simulation frameworks (e.g., ROS2-based systems)Ensure consistent visual behavior during real-time and hardware-in-the-loop testingOptimize performance on workstation-grade GPUs while maintaining visual fidelityPerformance OptimizationProfile GPU and CPU performanceOptimize scene complexity, materials, lighting, and shader executionMaintain stable frame rates under complex scene conditionsRequired Qualifications6+ years of professional experience in Unreal Engine development (UE5 preferred)Strong C++ expertise within Unreal Engine (Blueprint-only experience is insufficient)Proven experience building photorealistic, high-fidelity real-time environmentsDeep understanding of: Real-time rendering pipelines, Lighting models and material systems, GPU optimization techniquesExperience developing custom shaders and advanced visual effectsStrong understanding of physically based rendering (PBR) principlesExperience profiling and optimizing high-complexity scenesEU citizenship and eligibility for German security clearanceWillingness to work fully onsite in BerlinPreferred QualificationsExperience in defense simulation, digital twin systems, or robotics simulationExperience with non-visible spectrum rendering (IR, thermal visualization)Experience implementing deterministic behavior in simulation environmentsBackground in high-fidelity technical visualization rather than entertainment-focused gamingFamiliarity with physics-based simulation environmentsWhat We OfferCompetitive salaryVSOP / equity participationCentral Berlin officeExtreme growth opportunity in a fast-scaling defense startupMonthly voucherSubsidies for public transportHoliday allowanceWho You AreDetail-driven: You care about lighting accuracy, material realism, and visual plausibilityPerformance-focused: You understand how to achieve high visual fidelity without sacrificing frame rateTechnically strong: You write clean, maintainable C++ within UnrealVisually disciplined: You understand the difference between cinematic visuals and operational realismCollaborative: You work effectively with robotics and systems engineersMission-aware: You recognize the responsibility of building simulation environments used for defense validation