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Virtual Reality Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr Software Engineer (Audio)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

... virtual reality. The software you develop here is the foundation of an SDK for industry leading ... Systems level multi-threaded programming and debugging using C and C++ * Collaborate with ...

... programming and logging of their operations. Duties may include ironing sheets, pillowcases ... View our Virtual Reality Experience to spend a 'day in the life' of a hospitality professional at a ...

Dreamscape Learn, a pioneer in the realm of immersive virtual reality learning design, is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Software Engineer to assist in the creation of story-driven VR ...

Software Engineer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Dreamscape Learn, a pioneer in the realm of immersive virtual reality learning design, is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Software Engineer to assist in the creation of story-driven VR ...

Software Engineer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Dreamscape Learn, a pioneer in the realm of immersive virtual reality learning design, is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Software Engineer to assist in the creation of story-driven VR ...

DFX Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

... virtual and augmented reality technology. The DFX team is a critical pillar of this mission ... As a DFX Engineer, you will be a vital member of this team, directly influencing the quality, cost ...

Dreamscape Learn, a pioneer in the realm of immersive virtual reality learning design, is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Software Engineer to assist in the creation of story-driven VR ...

... virtual and augmented reality technology. The DFX team is a critical pillar of this mission ... As a DFX Engineer, you will be a vital member of this team, directly influencing the quality, cost ...

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Showing results 1-20

Virtual Reality Developer information

See California salary details

$16

$52

$80

How much do virtual reality developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual reality developer in California is $52.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $63.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Virtual Reality Developer?

A Virtual Reality Developer is a technology professional who designs, builds, and tests immersive applications and experiences using virtual reality (VR) technology. They use programming languages, 3D modeling tools, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine to create interactive environments for gaming, training, education, healthcare, and other industries. Their work involves both creative design and technical development, often collaborating with artists, designers, and other developers to bring virtual worlds to life.

What are some common challenges faced by Virtual Reality Developers when collaborating with designers and other team members?

Virtual Reality Developers often work closely with designers, artists, and UX specialists to bring immersive experiences to life. One common challenge is aligning technical constraints with creative vision, as not all design ideas are feasible within current VR hardware limitations. Effective communication and iterative prototyping are essential to bridge gaps between disciplines and ensure that both performance and user experience goals are met. Additionally, VR projects require rigorous testing across multiple devices, which can add complexity to collaboration and scheduling.

Is VR good for schizophrenia?

As a Virtual Reality Developer, understanding the therapeutic potential of VR is important. VR has been explored as a tool for schizophrenia treatment, such as for social skills training and symptom management, but it is not a standalone cure. Its effectiveness depends on proper design, clinical oversight, and integration with mental health care.

What is the difference between Virtual Reality Developer vs Augmented Reality Developer?

AspectVirtual Reality DeveloperAugmented Reality Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Development, or related field; experience with 3D engines like Unity or UnrealBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Development, or related field; experience with AR SDKs like ARKit or ARCore
Work EnvironmentDevelops immersive VR experiences for gaming, training, or simulations, often using VR headsetsCreates AR applications for mobile devices or AR glasses, integrating digital content with real-world views
Employer & Industry UsageGaming, training, healthcare, education, simulation industriesRetail, marketing, maintenance, navigation, healthcare industries

While both roles involve creating interactive digital experiences, Virtual Reality Developers focus on fully immersive environments using VR headsets, whereas Augmented Reality Developers enhance real-world views with digital overlays. Both require similar technical skills but differ in application and target devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Virtual Reality Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual Reality Developer, you need strong programming skills (C#, C++, or Java), 3D modeling understanding, and a background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and knowledge of VR hardware and SDKs, are typically required, along with certifications in VR development or related areas being advantageous. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills that set top developers apart. These skills ensure immersive, functional VR experiences and enable developers to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
What job categories do people searching Virtual Reality Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Reality Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Virtual Reality Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Virtual Reality Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Virtual Reality Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,466 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Multimedia Project Engineering Lead

Multimedia Project Engineering Lead

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 188 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Multimedia Systems
General Summary:
Designs and develops technologies related to the generation or manipulation of content targeted at the human senses or machine perception. These technologies include speech, audio, imaging, computer vision, display, sensing, biometrics, and augmented/virtual reality. Analyzes use cases related to multimedia technologies and performs functional decomposition to drive requirements for implementation into hardware or software. Performs system analysis and uses simulation modeling to propose algorithmic or system modifications that enable optimization of performance and power.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 11+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of experience working in one or more multimedia technology areas (i.e., speech, audio, imaging, computer vision, display, sensing, biometrics, augmented/virtual reality).
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Aligns multiple teams to address issues and generate solutions; creates well-defined architectures that meet ambiguous requirements and/or have a financial impact; works with multiple engineering teams across the systems department on design, development, modification, and evaluation of systems-level software and hardware.
• Executes on design reviews; uses industry expertise to drive platform development and system performance; reinforces design integrity based on constraints and/or capabilities.
• Leads cross-functional efforts to ensure customer requirements are gathered and agreed upon; communicates a technical vision for guiding the department to design products and solutions.
• Oversees technical vision for testing; guides multiple teams through tests, data analysis, and validation of design in alignment with product/technology roadmap; provides oversight on architectural decisions related to multimedia systems-level software, hardware, and/or products across multiple teams.
• Educates multiple teams on using appropriate tools and analyses; provides guidance to address patterns of issues and implications for work; coordinates multiple teams to address issues.
• Shares the strategy and goals for solutions; reviews escalated algorithm issues to provide direction, coaching, training, connection with other teams, and additional resources; uses deep and broad technical understanding to review advanced/contextual algorithms, provide implications for work across teams, and triage complex technical issues by generating new solutions and involving others; decide how solutions would be partitioned on the SOC level.
• Oversees and provides support to teams handling complex data engineering or data management issues for machine learning solutions within a domain.
• Reviews proposals or roadmaps of various levels of complexity for machine learning solutions; coordinates objectives across multiple teams working on design-related tasks for product proposals within the same department.
• Provides technical expertise to others within the team regarding experiments to train and evaluate machine learning solutions and communicates progress to key stakeholders.
• Evaluates topologies against performance, and cost variables and uses the feasibility findings to review the high-level design for multiple products, product families, or technologies; provides guidance, direction, and decision making; reviews the analysis and recommends complex route/topology that should be used to maximize performance, quality, and costs while reducing risks to the schedule and implementation.
• Acts as an expert resource to others on industry trends, competitors' products, and advances in various engineering fields related to multimedia systems products and technology; writes technical articles and publications; shares solutions and reviews best practices from open-source community; shares expertise within and/or across the department.
• Leverages deep technical expertise across domains to identify trends and define future solutions by contributing to discussions on the short- and long-term strategic direction of the product/technology roadmaps.
• Reinforces technical conversations across the department; resolves design and technical issues related to technical area of expertise; supports multiple teams in documenting technical and/or overall system issues; participates in patent application reviews.
Level of Responsibility:
• Working independently with no supervision.
• Providing supervision to other supervisors/managers who may be direct reports.
• Making decisions that are significant in impact, influencing overall program or project success, finances, and/or the ability to meet objectives; errors are not readily apparent due to the complexity of work process/product or time between decisions and results; errors typically result in significant expenditure of time, resources, and funds to correct.
• Using verbal and written communication skills to convey complex and/or detailed information to multiple individuals/audiences with differing knowledge levels. Role may require strong negotiation and influence, communication to large groups or high-level constituents.
• Overall responsibility to ensure budgets, schedules, and performance standards for functional areas and organization are realistically set and attained.
• Having influence over the formulation and achievement of long-term business plans and objectives.
• Completing tasks that require multiple steps that can be performed in various orders; tasks require simultaneously executing multiple cognitive abilities and maintaining information in short- or long-term memory.
• Regularly determining what needs to be done and is involved with sharing innovative solutions to achieve broad policies and objectives.
• Working on abstract problems in unique situations that require intricate analysis, and evaluation of ambiguous factors; directing the resolution of highly complex, unusual, or abstract business problems across functional or organization lines; thoroughly analyzing intangible variables, identifies, and evaluates fundamental issues, providing strategy and direction for major functional areas.
• Developing and redesigning organizational strategies and providing overall direction for various functional areas and/or entire organization. Has influence over the formulation and achievement of long-term business plans and objectives.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$228,400.00 - $342,600.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985