What if you could inspire to make everyday life just a little bit better? 

The answer is simple: You can. This is what motivates us at IKEA. We’re constantly searching to find new ways to be better. We use insights from real life at home all over the world, learning about the needs and dreams of people. We use our home furnishing knowledge to help inspire people with ideas and solutions that will help them live the life they want. 

At IKEA Marketing & Communication AB (IMC), we’re people-centric, have a passion for making great stuff, and we aim to be the best communication partner for the whole of IKEA. We work closely and together with our colleagues across IKEA, creating state-of-the-art communication at the lowest price. Located in Älmhult, Sweden, we’re a melting pot of many different nationalities and cultures. Because in order to make things better for the many, we want to involve people from all parts of the world. Nonetheless, we never forget our Swedish heritage that forms the backbone of who we are today. 

We’re on the lookout for passionate doers, idea makers, creative thinkers - people who want to find answers to everyday problems in people’s lives, for society and the planet. Do you also believe in celebrating the everyday life? Do you want to be part of making it happen from idea to paper or pixel? Then keep on reading. 

The Digital Lab is part of IMC and drives the digital innovation work in the spatial computing area for all IKEA companies. The Digital Lab is right now looking for a Research Engineer with knowledge within Spatial Computing / XR Development.

In this position you will use your technical expertise to explore, evaluate and transfer innovation insights.  

You are someone with an innovative mind and lateral thinking. Someone who thinks virtual worlds are cool but helping real people is even better. You know why robots and pie go well together and why point clouds on a sunny day do not matter at all. 

Your main responsibilities will be to:  

• Explore and evaluate new technology and its possibility to improve IKEA customer and co-worker experience   
• Develop real-time 3D applications to serve as inspiring proof of concepts  
• Collaborate with external experts and innovators in explorations of technical solutions   
• Collect and share expertise with IKEA stakeholders  

The person we´re looking for is someone passionate about the future of 3D graphics. A person who wants to use game engine for more than just for games. Someone who likes to conceptualise the utopian and dystopian future of the digital - human interface. Someone that think Swedish meatballs have the potential to taste even better in mixed reality. We’re looking for a person who can break down high-level concepts like these and explore them singlehandedly or as part of team.  

You´ll need to have many of these skills:  

• Extensive background in real-time 3D graphics with deep Interest in the future of Real Time Graphics (VR/MR/AR). Understanding of graphics pipelines related to real-time 3D environments. Passion for how sound and audio design and haptics can be used to elevate immersive experiences   
• Extensive experience with Unreal and/or Unity and/or native IOS/Android 3D development. Experience with mobile application development and deployment   
• Deep programming skills building applications communicating with back-ends and building applications of interactive worlds using game engines. Good knowledge of at least 2 different core programming languages such as C#, Python, C++ or JavaScript
• Extensive background setting up full stack for applications from ground up.   
• Good understanding of Cloud based computing and storage solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP etc.)   
• Ability to formulate new ideas surrounding technological innovations. Ability to discuss problems with program code examples.   

This is a place where you can focus on doing what you love. There are no dress codes or closed offices. No day is ever the same. All ideas are welcome. Everyone tries to pitch in when needed, and failures are seen as a way of learning. When you enter our building, we want you to feel that you can inspire billions of people all over the world.  

Are you ready to make the world a little better, together? We want to hear from you! 

Please state in your application for which of the areas you have the most experience and passion.  

To get to know the history of the team, the company you will be part of and context of our work within spatial computing, please watch the video (https://vimeo.com/243860738) showcasing some of the past work and the areas the team is engaging in going forward (start at 40 min in if you are in a rush). If you want to listen to a podcast then this is available https://xrforbusiness.io/podcast/delivering-digital-swedish-meatballs-in-ar-with-ikeas-martin-enthed/  Both of these are with the hiring manager.  

Application

This position was posted 23rd of May and may be online for up to 3 weeks following this date. The recruitment is an ongoing process so if we find the right candidate, we might close the possibility to apply earlier. We look forward to receiving your application, your CV and a motivational letter in English. We do not accept applications by e-mail.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Recruiter Katie Pettersson [email protected]. If you have questions about the role, please connect with Innovation Manager Martin Enthed.