Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI)

Department:

Col of Visual and Performing Arts
Classification:

Info Technology Spec 1
Job Category:

Classified Staff
Job Type:

Full-Time
Work Schedule:

Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location:

Manassas, VA
Workplace Type:

Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility:

Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Pay Band:

04
Salary:

Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted:

Yes
Criminal Background Check:

Yes
About the Department

The Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) exists to support Mason's entrepreneurial and innovation goals by cultivating and supporting Mason-founded startups, rapid prototype development, high-value knowledge job creation, and regional economic development through serious game technology discovery to improve the human condition.
About the Position

The Project Developer at the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) plays a pivotal role in supporting the ideation, creation, and management of projects that advance the institute's applied research, incubator, and outreach initiatives. This position requires a highly adaptable individual with strong technical expertise in game development and emerging technologies. The Project Developer leads and oversees both individual and team-based projects, ensuring alignment with VSGI's strategic goals and technological standards. This role also includes representing VSGI in various internal and external engagements.
Responsibilities

Provides design, development, and coding expertise for VSGI projects and grant-funded initiatives.
Designs and implements interactive digital experiences using Unity, Unreal, and other industry-standard engines
Writes and maintains scalable, efficient code for serious game applications
Collaborates with faculty and external partners to translate research into prototypes
Troubleshoots cross-platform technical issues
Leads and manages VSGI research and start-up projects, including timelines, asset creation, and development workflows.
Develops project plans with clear milestones and deliverables
Oversees asset creation and integration
Coordinates interdisciplinary teams
Documents decisions and project outcomes
Conducts QA testing and iterative improvements
Facilitates communication among VSGI staff, affiliated companies, students, university administration, and external stakeholders.
Serves as liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders
Leads regular meetings and collaborative sessions
Mentors student interns and junior developers
Delivers project updates and presentations to stakeholders, including corporate partners, faculty, administrators, and government officials.
Prepares and presents reports on project status and impact
Tailors presentations to diverse audiences
Contributes to grant reporting and proposals
Represents VSGI at public events
Develops new resources and tools to support VSGI and affiliated programs when not directly engaged in project work.
Researches and prototypes emerging technologies
Supports curriculum development and outreach
Represents VSGI in meetings with clients, partners, and dignitaries, including in the absence of the Director.
Acts as spokesperson for VSGI
Builds relationships with partners and agencies
Facilitates strategic discussions
Ensures continuity of leadership
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience (generally, minimum of 3 years) in game development, including Unity and Unreal Engine
Experience with VR, AR, and AI technologies
Familiarity with source control systems (e.g., Git)
Knowledge of grant-funded initiatives
Strong project management and team coordination skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and shifting project needs
Ability to investigate, adopt, and integrate new technologies as needed
Proven ability to lead development projects and ensure timely, scoped delivery
Proficiency in programming for game engines and related platforms
Proficiency in programming languages relevant to game development (e.g., C#, C++, Python)
Strong capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in related field
Experience (generally, 5+ years) in Computer Game Design Development
Experience in serious game development
Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, faculty, staff, students, and community members

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