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Virtual Reality Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Computer Vision Engineer

Burlingame, CA

$183K/yr

... and Virtual reality (AR/VR) products. RL has global departments dedicated to research and ... Experience developing and designing Computer Vision and/or Machine Learning technologies and ...

Meta

Computer Vision Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$183K/yr

... and Virtual reality (AR/VR) products. RL has global departments dedicated to research and ... Experience developing and designing Computer Vision and/or Machine Learning technologies and ...

Meta

DFX Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

You will work closely with teams focused on Virtual Reality, Wearables, and Smart Glasses to ... designs • Create Engineering Requirements Specification (ERS) documents and review/approve all ...

Instagram

Product Designer, Instagram

Menlo Park, CA

$170K/yr

As a Product Designer on Instagram, you'll have the opportunity to play a central role in the way ... and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to ...

Meta

DFX Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$144K/yr

You will work closely with teams focused on Virtual Reality, Wearables, and Smart Glasses to ... designs * Create Engineering Requirements Specification (ERS) documents and review/approve all ...

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All JobsReality Designer JobsVirtual Reality Designer JobsVirtual Reality Designer Jobs in California

Virtual Reality Designer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$104.8K

$169.7K

How much do virtual reality designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reality designer in California is $104,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,800.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual reality designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual Reality Designer, you need strong 3D modeling, UX/UI design, and spatial computing skills, often supported by a degree in design, computer science, or a related field. Proficiency with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, VR hardware (e.g., Oculus, HTC Vive), and knowledge of programming languages such as C# or C++ are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication help designers collaborate and innovate in immersive environments. These skills are crucial for creating engaging, accessible, and technically robust VR experiences that meet user expectations.

What are some common challenges virtual reality designers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Virtual Reality Designers often work closely with developers, 3D artists, and product managers, which can present unique challenges such as aligning creative vision with technical constraints. Communication is key, as translating immersive design concepts into feasible features requires regular feedback and adaptability. Additionally, ensuring user experience consistency across hardware platforms adds complexity. Successful Virtual Reality Designers proactively engage in team meetings and leverage collaborative tools to bridge gaps between disciplines.

Is virtual reality design a good career?

Virtual Reality Designer is a growing field that involves creating immersive digital environments using 3D modeling, programming, and user experience skills. It offers opportunities in entertainment, training, and simulation industries, with demand increasing as VR technology advances. Success typically requires proficiency with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine and a strong understanding of visual and interactive design principles.

How to become a virtual reality designer?

To become a virtual reality designer, you typically need a background in computer graphics, 3D modeling, or game design, often obtained through a bachelor's degree in computer science, graphic design, or related fields. Proficiency in VR development tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, along with skills in 3D modeling, animation, and programming, is essential. Gaining experience through projects, internships, or certifications can also help build a portfolio and improve job prospects.

What is the difference between Virtual Reality Designer vs 3D Artist?

AspectVirtual Reality Designer3D Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in design, computer graphics, or related fields; proficiency in VR development toolsOften holds a degree in fine arts, 3D modeling, or animation; strong portfolio in 3D work
Work EnvironmentDesigning immersive VR experiences, often in tech or gaming companiesCreating 3D models and assets for various media, including games, films, and advertising
Industry UsagePrimarily in VR development, gaming, training simulations, and experiential marketingUsed across gaming, film, advertising, and product visualization industries

While both roles involve 3D modeling skills, Virtual Reality Designers focus on creating immersive experiences specifically for VR platforms, requiring knowledge of VR development tools. 3D Artists primarily produce static or animated 3D assets for various media. The roles overlap in skills but differ in application and end goals.

What is a virtual reality designer?

A Virtual Reality (VR) Designer is a professional who creates immersive digital environments and experiences using VR technology. Their role involves designing 3D spaces, interactive elements, and user interfaces that allow people to engage with virtual worlds, often for gaming, training, education, or entertainment. VR Designers use specialized software and collaborate with programmers, artists, and other team members to bring their concepts to life. They also focus on user experience, ensuring that the VR environment is intuitive and engaging. This field blends creativity with technical skills, requiring knowledge of design principles, 3D modeling, and VR development tools.

How much does a virtual reality designer make?

The average salary for a virtual reality designer ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Senior designers with specialized skills in 3D modeling, programming, and user experience can earn higher salaries, especially in tech hubs or large companies.
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reality Designer jobs in California? For Virtual Reality Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Reality Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Reality Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Virtual Reality Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Virtual Reality Designer job openings:
Virtual Reality Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Reality Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 45% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 52% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,833 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Computer Vision Engineer

Meta

Burlingame, CA

$183K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

The Reality Labs (RL) organization at Meta is helping more people around the world come together and connect through industry-leading Augmented and Virtual reality (AR/VR) products. RL has global departments dedicated to research and development in computer vision, machine learning, haptics, social interaction, and more. RL is committed to driving the state of the art forward through relentless innovation. Our XR Tech organization is focused on advanced research and development of machine perception technologies from early concepts to production level across all of Meta's AR/VR products and surfaces. These include Quest products, Meta Glasses and Family of Apps (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp). We develop core capabilities across a range of product domains including Avatars, AR/VR remote presence/calling, AR Commerce, AR Sharing, Spatial, Calibration and more.In this role, you will be researching and applying a range of software, computer vision, and machine learning techniques for solving challenges that bridge the virtual and real worlds and will impact billions of people. We're addressing a variety of technical challenges in the areas of real-time image processing, hand tracking, micro-gestures, eye tracking, 3D reconstruction, visualization, and tooling. In addition, there are opportunities to collaborate with researchers in Reality Labs Research (RLR).
Computer Vision Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Lead the productization of CVML models for Surface inputs, including Surface keyboard and Surface trackpad, from development through deployment
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to ship ML models end-to-end, leveraging broad ML expertise to drive solutions from prototype to production
  • Develop prototypes for future VR/AR/MR experiences, drive continued development, and integrate robust solutions into the product
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and research teams from Reality Labs (RL) in computer vision, machine learning, and graphics
  • Participate in cutting-edge research in computer vision that can be applied to AR/VR product development
  • Define and scope projects for other engineers, providing technical direction and success criteria

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 7+ years of industry experience in machine learning, computer vision, or related fields
  • Experience shipping ML models to production, including the full ML production cycle from development to deployment
  • Prototyping and engineering experience in at least ONE relevant specialization area in either Computer Vision or Machine Learning: SLAM State Estimation, Online Calibration, Sensor Fusion, 3D reconstruction, object detection, segmentation and tracking, scene understanding, or semantic segmentation

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Industry experience working on projects such as: real-time Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and 3D reconstruction, sensor fusion and active depth sensing, object and body tracking and pose estimation, and/or image processing. Image and/or semantic segmentation, 2D and 3D key point estimation and surface reconstruction, depth estimation
  • Experience developing and designing Computer Vision and/or Machine Learning technologies and systems for running on edge devices (mobile phones, and/or custom hardware)
  • Publication track record at conferences such as SIGGRAPH, CVPR, NIPS, ECCV, ICCV, ISMAR, ICML, etc
  • PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Robotics or related technical field
  • Experience productizing and deploying ML models on edge devices (mobile phones, AR/VR headsets, and/or custom hardware)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$183,997/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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