Junior 3D Unity Developer, Texas Immersive Institute, Moody College of Communication
The University of Texas at AustinJob Posting Title:
Junior 3D Unity Developer, Texas Immersive Institute, Moody College of Communication----
Hiring Department:
Moody College of Communication----
Position Open To:
All Applicants----
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
12----
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt----
Earliest Start Date:
Feb 24, 2026----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jun 08, 2026----
Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS----
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.----
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.----
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 persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
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Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.