Junior 3D Unity Developer, Texas Immersive Institute, Moody College of Communication

Job Posting Title:

Junior 3D Unity Developer, Texas Immersive Institute, Moody College of Communication

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Hiring Department:

Moody College of Communication

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

12

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Feb 24, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Jun 08, 2026

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Position Opened to:

• Undergraduates and Graduate Students (NO WORK STUDY)

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

• 10-12 hours/week

Project Timeline:

• March - June 2026

Location:

• In-person at the Texas Immersive Lab (CMA 5.102)

Job Details:

• We are seeking a Unity Student Assistant to support the Immersive Tech Lead in developing the core logic, behavioral systems, and data integration for the aquarium.

  This role is technical and execution-focused. You will be responsible for translating creative concepts into functional C# scripts within Unity, focusing on how fish enter the world, how they move, and how they behave as a collective ecosystem. Additionally, you will help in connected the external web app server to take in 3D fish design inputs that will be spawned in the aquarium level. This is a premier opportunity for a student programmer or technical artist to work on a high-traffic, real-time system designed for massive LED outputs.

Responsibilities:

• Input & Spawning Logic: Develop and maintain the logic for fish spawning based on incoming WebXR data, ensuring creatures appear in the digital ocean in real-time.

• Customization Scripting: Implement the scripting logic that translates user questions/answers to colors, patterns, creature type, into the final 3D fish variants within the Unity environment.

• Behavioral Programming: Script autonomous fish behaviors, including swimming behavior, boid/schooling logic, and environmental interactions.

• Data Persistence: Help manage the storage and retrieval of fish data to ensure the ecosystem remains persistent and continuous throughout the 8-day activation.

• System Optimization: Assist in profiling and optimizing scripts and assets to maintain acceptable frame rates on a 22m x 6m LED display.

• Output Handling: Support the configuration of Unity’s camera and display settings to ensure seamless output for large-scale LED hardware.

Required Responsibilities:

• Strong proficiency in C# programming within the Unity engine.

• Experience with Unity Prefabs, Scriptable Objects, and basic UI/Data integration.

• Understanding of vector math and transform logic for NPC agent movement (e.g., boids or simple AI steering).

• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., GitHub or PlasticSCM).

• Ability to troubleshoot and debug complex real-time systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with JSON/Web APIs or persistent databases (Firebase, SQL, etc.).

• Basic understanding of the Universal Render Pipeline (URP) or VFX Graph.

Salary Range:

• $25/hour

Career Competencies:

• Programming Game Engines

• Web Software Design

• System and Technology Integration

Required Materials:

• Resume

• One-page Cover Letter

• Link to portfolio or work samples

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Employment Eligibility:

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all per