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National University of Singapore

Research Engineer (Software Engineer, AI/XR Simulation)

Closes:

414

About NUS Cute Center

NUS CUTE (Creating Unique Technologies for Everyone) Center is a multi-disciplinary research institute where some of the key areas of focus are physical embodiments and tangible interaction, along with Virtual Reality visualisation. Website: https://www.nus.edu.sg/cutecenter/

We are looking for a resourceful Software Engineer to help design and build the next generation of our immersive training and simulation systems on the Unity platform, and to help transition legacy, static VR training into a highly adaptive platform powered by Generative AI. You will help integrate large language models (LLMs), the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and dynamic prompt-based generation into a distributed Unity environment.

We do not expect you to know everything on day one. The ideal candidate combines strong spatial computing fundamentals with a relentless drive to self-learn, an aptitude for leveraging modern AI-assisted development tools (e.g. GitHub Copilot, Claude Code) to accelerate workflows, and the curiosity to master new MLOps paradigms on the job.

Job Description

  • Collaborate with designers, researchers and stakeholders to develop VR, AR, MR and XR software simulations on Unity, with physical hardware interfaces.
  • Build and extend simulation features across a distributed, multi-device environment, including user roles, scenario management and session review generation, storage and retrieval.
  • AI Orchestration Pipeline: Build interfaces where LLMs and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) translate user prompts into JSON-based logic, driving real-time prop placement, character behaviours and UI generation in Unity.
  • AI-Assisted Workflow: Leverage Unity-native AI capabilities and external AI coding assistants to accelerate content creation, rapid prototyping and maintain high code quality.
  • Formulate program specifications and basic prototypes, and transform software designs and specifications into high-level functioning code in the appropriate framework and system.
  • Create technical documentation for user support, advise the team on best practices, and maintain a high standard of coding consistency and reusability.
  • Evaluate feasibility of project requirements and give reasonable estimates on tech-related tasks.

Requirements and Qualifications

Requirements

  • Singapore citizens or PR only.
  • Graduates with no prior experience and candidates with up to 2 years of relevant experience are welcome to apply. We place particular emphasis on demonstrated technical ability, adaptability, self-directed learning, and enthusiasm for emerging AI/XR technologies.
  • Hands-on experience developing with the Unity engine (C#).
  • Strong proficiency in at least one supplementary programming language: Python, C#.
  • Working knowledge of applied AI — in particular, integrating and working with LLMs via APIs for prompt-based generation..
  • AI-assisted development tools: Hands-on familiarity with AI coding assistants (e.g. GitHub Copilot, Claude Code or equivalent) to accelerate prototyping, raise code quality and overcome technical roadblocks. Familiarity with Unity’s AI features and AI-driven content/asset, animation or behaviour generation tooling will be a plus.
  • Data Handling: Experience working with JSON schemas, telemetry logging and relational databases for user account and session management.
  • Skilled in Git and its workflows.
  • Work with custom hardware through standardised interfaces, and make informed decisions on technology used in projects (e.g. recommend hardware, tools, engines, plugins and models).
  • Analytical mindset, attention to detail, and openness to picking up new technologies.

Preferred Qualifications (to be learned or expanded on the job)

  • Degree in computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence or a relevant discipline.
  • Experience integrating LLMs into applications, and familiarity with the Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar agent-linking frameworks.
  • Experience with Unity AI-based asset, animation or behaviour generation tooling, and AI coding assistants to speed up development.
  • Experience developing VR applications using at least one popular VR setup (HTC, Pico/Quest).
  • Familiarity with microcontroller kits (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) is an advantage.
  • Familiarity with C++ or Java will be an advantage.

Job details

Title
Research Engineer (Software Engineer, AI/XR Simulation)
Employer
National University of Singapore
Location
Kent Ridge Campus
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Closes:
Nov 16, 2026
Job type
Full time, Academic / Faculty, Computer Science
Field
Generative Artificial Intelligence

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓Who is eligible to apply for this Research Engineer (AI/XR Simulation) role?

This role is open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents only. The NUS CUTE Center welcomes fresh graduates with no prior experience and candidates with up to 2 years of relevant experience. A degree in computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence or a related discipline is preferred, but demonstrated technical ability and self-directed learning matter most. For help presenting your background, see this guide to writing a winning academic CV.

🌏Can international applicants apply if they do not have Singapore citizenship or PR?

No, this position states Singapore citizens or PR only, so the NUS CUTE Center will not provide visa sponsorship for this role. International candidates can explore other university jobs that may offer sponsorship.

🛠️Which tools and technologies will I use in this AI/XR Simulation job?

You will develop on the Unity engine with C#, integrate large language models (LLMs) via APIs, and use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to turn user prompts into JSON-based logic. You will also work with VR/AR/MR/XR hardware, JSON schemas, relational databases, Git, and AI coding assistants such as GitHub Copilot or Claude Code. This aligns with broader research jobs that blend software engineering and AI.

🎯Do I need prior work experience to apply for the NUS CUTE Center Research Engineer position?

No prior experience is required. The job is open to fresh graduates with 0 to 2 years of relevant experience. The center prioritizes demonstrated technical ability, adaptability, self-directed learning, and enthusiasm for emerging AI/XR technologies. You can strengthen your application with a clear academic CV that highlights Unity and AI projects.

📝How do I apply for this Research Engineer (Software Engineer, AI/XR Simulation) role at NUS?

Applications should be submitted through the official NUS careers portal or the posting on AcademicJobs. Prepare a concise CV and cover letter that show your Unity, C#, LLM integration, and AI-assisted development experience. For more options, browse research jobs or university jobs to compare similar openings.

🤖What does the AI Orchestration Pipeline work involve?

You will build interfaces where large language models (LLMs) and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) translate user prompts into JSON-based logic. This drives real-time prop placement, character behaviours, and UI generation inside Unity, turning static VR training into an adaptive Generative AI platform. It is one of the core responsibilities of this AI/XR simulation research engineer role at NUS CUTE Center.

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