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Ar Vr Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Finisher A

Marion, VA

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

We apply advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, AR/VR, Cloud Native and ... General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions ...

Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · Hybrid

$180K - $200K/yr

Principal Optical Engineer We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design ... AR/VR systems. * Experience designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax.

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Ar Vr Developer information

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$16

$52

$81

How much do ar vr developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for ar vr developer in Virginia is $52.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.05 and $64.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ar Vr Developer vs AR Content Creator?

AspectAr Vr DeveloperAR Content Creator
Required SkillsProgramming, 3D modeling, Unity/UnrealDesign, 3D modeling, storytelling
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, tech companiesCreative studios, marketing agencies
Industry UsageApp development, immersive experiencesMarketing campaigns, social media content

Ar Vr Developers focus on building and programming AR/VR applications using coding and development tools, while AR Content Creators primarily design and produce visual and interactive content for AR experiences. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of AR project development.

What are AR/VR developers?

AR/VR developers are technology professionals who design, build, and implement applications that use Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. They create immersive digital experiences by combining 3D modeling, computer programming, and user interface design for a wide range of industries such as gaming, education, healthcare, and retail. AR/VR developers typically work with platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine and use languages such as C# or C++. Their work involves integrating digital content with the real world (AR) or creating entirely virtual environments (VR) for users to interact with.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an AR/VR Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an AR/VR Developer, you need strong programming skills (commonly in C#, C++, or Unity3D), 3D modeling knowledge, and a solid understanding of computer graphics, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with AR/VR development platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as experience with SDKs such as ARKit or ARCore, is typically required. Creative problem-solving, effective communication, and adaptability are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and addressing technical challenges. These abilities are crucial for creating immersive, high-performance experiences that meet user and client expectations in a rapidly evolving field.

What are some common challenges AR/VR Developers face when working on collaborative projects?

AR/VR Developers often work closely with designers, product managers, and other engineers, which can present challenges in aligning on user experience, performance expectations, and hardware limitations. Communication is key, as translating creative visions into technical solutions requires frequent iteration and feedback. Additionally, ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms can be complex, making cross-functional collaboration and adaptability essential skills for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ar Vr Developer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Ar Vr Developer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ar Vr Developer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Ar Vr Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Ar Vr Developer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,962 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

AR/VR/XR Visualization Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 613 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a driven, innovative Visualization Research and Development Engineer to join the Advanced Visualization Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department develops cutting-edge visualization solutions that push the boundaries of collaborative visualization, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) applications for critical national security missions.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Design experiences, interactions, and applications that support effective collaboration for research sponsors
  • Design and implement application programming interfaces (APIs) to pass data between disparate software applications
  • Develop methodologies for effective integration, visualization, and dissemination of novel 3D data sources using game-engine-based synthetic environment frameworks
  • Create tool workflows or visual communication methods using internally and externally-developed toolkits to illustrate and document complex concepts
  • Integrate features and solutions with synthetic environment frameworks being applied to multiple sponsored projects across domains
  • Deploy solutions to Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) platforms including the latest hardware from Meta, Varjo, HTC, and others
  • Perform systems engineering activities to improve data flows and processes
  • Brief research sponsors on technical solutions
  • Develop engineering and technical documentation
  • Draft whitepapers and proposals for research sponsors

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
  • Lead the development and prototyping of hardware and software-based solutions for sponsor challenges
  • Define immersive interaction standards
  • Develop new processes for visualizing content using immersive technology
  • Develop and manage new sponsor relationships
  • Design and develop architectures of industry-related engineering systems, applying knowledge of complex principles, theories, concepts, tools and techniques to design challenges
  • Independently manage multiple and/or large IT projects
  • Plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope
  • Understand broad strategic objectives and contribute to them
  • Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to ensure programs meet customer
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for the sponsor when needed

Required Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Software development proficiency (C#, Python, or Java)
  • Team-based software development, troubleshooting, and deployment experience
  • Software engineering, systems engineering, human computer interfaces, or visualization technologies

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Master's Degree
  • Active security clearance, TS/SCI preferred, or current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret/Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
  • Advanced software development in C#, Python, or Java focusing on modular programming and performance
  • Extended Reality (XR) application development (Unity/Unreal)
  • Cloud deployment experience (AWS/Azure)
  • Software containerization and deployment (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, Helm, etc.)
  • DevSecOps experience
  • Graphics programming - rendering, graphical shaders, etc.
  • Network programming such as TCP/UDP and client-server
  • Messaging interfaces (ActiveMQ, DDS, Kafka, etc.)
  • Databases (PostGRES-PostGIS preferred)
  • Performance optimization and process automation experience
  • Geospatial data formats and standards
  • CompTIA Security+ certification
  • Project management or related skills

Your working location will be: fully on-site located in State College, PA or Reston, VA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $127,080.00 - $240,960.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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