Extended Reality (XR) Lab Developer

The Opportunity
Developer in the Extended Reality (XR) Laboratory in the College of Aviation. Responsible for the design, development, integration, optimization, and deployment of immersive virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) simulations supporting aviation education, research, and training. This position builds high‑fidelity, performance‑optimized simulation systems and collaborates with faculty, researchers, and students to develop scalable immersive solutions aligned with aviation and aerospace applications.

Job Responsibilities

Simulation Development:

Design, develop, test, and deploy VR/AR/MR simulations using Unity (C#), OpenXR, and SteamVR.

Integrate aviation simulation systems and external flight‑dynamics models (e.g., JSBSim, X‑Plane, custom FDMs).

Integrate real‑time data streams (TCP/UDP, WebSockets, REST APIs, telemetry systems) into immersive environments.

Optimize XR applications for performance including CPU/GPU profiling, draw‑call reduction, shader optimization, memory management, and LOD systems.

Develop multiplayer
etworked XR simulations using modern networking frameworks.

Implement XR interaction systems including hand tracking, gaze interaction, locomotion systems, accessibility considerations, and human factors principles.

Maintain structured version control workflows (Git) and development pipelines.

Document technical systems and contribute to research publications and grant proposals as needed.

Stay current with emerging XR technologies and recommend equipment/software acquisitions.

Project and Laboratory Management:

Coordinate operation, upgrades, and maintenance of XR Lab hardware and software systems.

Support and troubleshoot XR hardware platforms including Meta, Varjo, BigScreen, tracking systems, and haptic devices.

Supervise and mentor student assistants and support staff.

Manage projects within schedule, budget, and resource constraints.

Coordinate scheduling and lab availability for faculty, students, and visitors.

Outreach:

Collaborate with faculty and graduate students on immersive research projects and experimental design.

Support data collection and analysis within immersive research environments.

Organize workshops, demonstrations, and promotional materials showcasing XR Lab capabilities.

Present XR Lab work at academic and industry conferences.

Technical Advisor:

Work with students on developing and/or implementing XR applications.

Collaborate with faculty in developing courseware with content related to technology.

Assume duties for colleagues assigned technological responsibilities when necessary.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Qualifications:

5+ years of object‑oriented programming experience.

5+ years of professional Unity (C#) development experience.

Experience developing optimized VR/AR applications for modern XR hardware platforms.

Strong understanding of real‑time rendering pipelines (URP/HDRP), shader development, and performance profiling tools.

Experience with multiplayer
etworked simulation environments.

Familiarity with OpenXR and SteamVR frameworks.

Experience with source control systems (Git, PlasticSCM).

Experience integrating external systems via REST APIs, TCP/UDP, and telemetry data feeds.

Ability to build complex XR simulations that are optimized and performant.

Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced academic environment.

Required Minimum Work Experience:

3–5 years of relevant professional experience in XR, simulation, or XR game development.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor/Graduate degree in a software‑related or simulation‑focused field.

Experience integrating flight simulation systems or aviation training environments.

Experience with 3D content pipelines (Blender, Maya, 3dsMax).

Aviation experience or relevant certifications (pilot, maintenance, UAS).

Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is mid $65,000s to mid $70,000s. The final offer will consider the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience, along with applicable state regulations, internal equity, and business needs, and may fall outside the stated range.

Benefits and Perks

Health Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships, flexible spending and health savings accounts.

Tuition Coverage:

100% tuition coverage for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for a spouse and dependent children up to age 26.

Retirement Contributions:

ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of base salary to the retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.

Generous Time Off:

18 days of personal leave in the first year, 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry-Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry-Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school‑administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit the website.

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