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Virtual Reality Designer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

FM

Senior Learning Specialist

Norwood, MA · On-site

$120K/yr

... into realistic loss scenario exercises for use in training programs. Experience specified must ... and designing and delivering hands-on active learning and remote learning programs; technical ...

Textron

Robotics/UAS Project Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

... realistic operational conditions. * Conduct sophisticated diagnostics and root-cause analyses ... Deep understanding of modeling, simulation, virtual testing, and hardware-in-the-loop validation ...

Textron

Robotics/UAS Project Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

... realistic operational conditions. * Conduct sophisticated diagnostics and root-cause analyses ... Deep understanding of modeling, simulation, virtual testing, and hardware-in-the-loop validation ...

Textron

Robotics/UAS Project Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

... realistic operational conditions. * Conduct sophisticated diagnostics and root-cause analyses ... Deep understanding of modeling, simulation, virtual testing, and hardware-in-the-loop validation ...

Socket.dev

Business Development Lead

Somerville, MA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... designed and measured centrally, and tuned for each sales pod's territory reality * Manage day-to ... Virtual and in-office global company events and happy hours * Fitness subsidies * An inclusive, dog ...

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All JobsReality Designer JobsVirtual Reality Designer JobsVirtual Reality Designer Jobs in Boston, MA

Virtual Reality Designer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$58.1K

$115.4K

$186.9K

How much do virtual reality designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reality designer in Boston, MA is $115,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,900.00 and $135,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 expertise in 3D modeling, programming, and user experience can earn higher salaries, especially in tech hubs or specialized industries.

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 gained 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. Building a portfolio of VR projects and gaining experience through internships or freelance work can also help establish a career in this field.

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, often requiring knowledge of VR hardware and software development tools. The career can be rewarding for those interested in technology and creative design, with increasing demand as VR applications expand.

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reality Designer jobs in Boston, MA?

For Virtual Reality Designer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Virtual Reality Designer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Reality Designer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Virtual Reality Designer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Virtual Reality Designer job openings:

Virtual Reality Designer jobs near you

Staff Simulation Platform Engineer

Merlin Labs

Boston, MA

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Merlin:
Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlin's global flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and soon, Bedford, Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston, Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform, helping customers solve some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the world's leading investors prior to its public listing, Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation. 
About you:

We are seeking a Staff Simulation Platform Engineer to design and build the next-generation simulation infrastructure that supports aircraft modeling, autonomy development, and hardware-in-the-loop validation across multiple aircraft platforms.

This is a hands-on senior technical role focused on building scalable virtual environments, stabilizing integration infrastructure, and enabling scenario-based autonomy validation without linear growth in engineering effort per platform.

This position reports to the Virtual Test Environments Lead and will play a central role in evolving our simulation ecosystem into a robust, scalable internal platform.

 
Responsibilities:
1. Simulation Infrastructure Architecture & Implementation

  • Define and implement structured topology and configuration definitions across aircraft platforms

  • Improve stability of routing layers, hardware/software interfaces, and runtime integration components

  • Introduce versioning and compatibility discipline across simulation artifacts

  • Build validation tooling to prevent integration breakage from reaching lab benches

2. Autonomy-Focused Virtual Environment Development

  • Expand scenario-based simulation capabilities supporting autonomy development

  • Enable structured Monte Carlo and multi-scenario validation workflows

  • Develop infrastructure to simulate sensor inputs and autonomy behaviors in realistic operational contexts

  • Improve determinism and traceability of simulation runs

3. Toolchain Modernization & Automation

  • Implement CI/CD workflows for simulation artifacts

  • Improve reproducibility of simulation environments

  • Implement schema-driven validation mechanisms for interfaces

  • Build foundational platform components hands-on during early phases

4. Technical Leadership

  • Mentor and elevate engineers working on simulation tools and routing infrastructure

  • Establish extensibility and architectural standards within the simulation stack

  • Influence cross-functional stakeholders (Autonomy, Compute Platform, Systems, Lab Integration)

This is a senior technical contributor role with significant architectural impact but no direct people management responsibility.

Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience building or scaling complex simulation or autonomy validation environments

  • Experience contributing to or architecting large-scale simulation frameworks (e.g., AFSIM, Unreal/Unity-based simulation environments, CARLA, custom autonomy simulation platforms, or equivalent)

  • Strong software architecture experience in multi-component, distributed systems

  • Experience defining interface contracts, configuration schemas, or API boundaries in complex systems

  • Experience integrating simulation environments with real-time or hardware-in-the-loop systems

  • Hands-on proficiency in Python and/or C++

  • Demonstrated ability to modernize or scale legacy engineering toolchains

Nice to Have:

  • Experience developing simulation or virtual validation environments for autonomy systems (automotive, aerospace, robotics)

  • Experience designing scenario-based validation systems

  • Familiarity with SIL/HIL integration

  • Experience implementing CI/CD in engineering-heavy environments

  • Background in safety-critical systems

$180,000 - $240,000 a year

The compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors, inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlin's total compensation package. Additionally, Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.

This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.
 
Once you're here, you'll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.
 
Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally
 
Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.
 
Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.
 
At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. 
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
 
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: [email protected]
 
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
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