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

SenseGlove is looking for a hands-on Unreal Engine developer intern to contribute to a joint project with ESA’s Orbital Robotics Laboratory, working on real XR systems used for astronaut training.

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 not a typical internship; you will work on real XR systems used for astronaut training.

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.

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.

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

We care more about what you’ve built than your degree.

You should have:

• 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

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