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Virtual Reality Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Research Engineer, ML H-W/S-W Codesign

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $217K/yr

Reality Labs (RL) focuses on delivering Meta's vision through Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented ... Meta is seeking a Research Engineer to join our Research & Development teams. This role involves ...

PSRTEK

Voice to Face Avatar expert

San Jose, CA · On-site

Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, or Java. * Experience with machine ... Previous experience in the gaming or virtual reality industry is a plus

Meta

Linguistic Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$138K/yr

... virtual reality. Our work in conversational AI, computer vision, advanced optics, eye tracking ... As a Linguistic Engineer (LE), you will focus on helping deliver datasets, models, and knowledge ...

Meta

AI Research Scientist, SysML

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$154K/yr

Reality Labs (RL) focuses on delivering Meta's vision through Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or ...

Qualcomm

Multimedia Systems Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

... virtual reality. Analyzes use cases related to multimedia technologies and performs functional ... D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field. • 2+ years of experience ...

Meta

QA Engineering Lead

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K/yr

QA Engineering Lead Responsibilities: * Build a test-driven/user-centric engineering environment ... Experience in quality assurance within the virtual reality domain * Experience establishing and ...

ovoshpere

We design 3D worlds and virtual reality worlds that are not games but tools for business and are ... We are looking for two programmers that love to innovate, and see their ideas come to life. This is ...

Meta

AI Research Scientist, SysML

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $217K/yr

Reality Labs (RL) focuses on delivering Meta's vision through Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented ... Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience • Experience developing AI-System ...

Meta

QA Engineering Lead

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$138K/yr

QA Engineering Lead Responsibilities: * Build a test-driven/user-centric engineering environment ... Experience in quality assurance within the virtual reality domain * Experience establishing and ...

Applied Materials

AI Algorithm Developer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

... make smartphones, supercomputers, virtual reality headsets, autonomous vehicles and more ... Position Overview We are seeking an AI Algorithm Developer to design and implement machine learning ...

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All JobsReality Developer JobsVirtual Reality Developer JobsVirtual Reality Developer Jobs in California

Virtual Reality Developer information

See California salary details

$16

$52

$80

How much do virtual reality developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 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 tech jobs pay 400,000 a year?

Virtual Reality Developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in 3D programming, and knowledge of platforms like Unreal Engine or Unity can reach salaries around $400,000 annually, especially in senior or lead roles. High-paying tech positions often require advanced certifications, a strong portfolio, and work in innovative or high-demand environments.

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.

Are VR developers in demand?

VR developers are in high demand as virtual reality technology expands across industries such as gaming, healthcare, education, and training. Companies seek skilled developers proficient in 3D modeling, programming, and platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine to create immersive experiences, leading to strong job growth in this field.

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.

Is VR a dying medium?

Virtual Reality developers work in a growing industry with expanding applications in gaming, training, education, and healthcare. While the technology faces challenges like high costs and hardware limitations, ongoing advancements suggest VR remains a relevant and evolving field rather than a dying medium.

What does a virtual reality developer do?

A virtual reality developer designs, creates, and tests immersive VR experiences and applications using programming languages like C# or C++ and development platforms such as Unity or Unreal Engine. They work on integrating 3D models, audio, and user interactions to build realistic virtual environments, often collaborating with designers and artists. Strong coding skills, knowledge of 3D modeling, and understanding of hardware requirements are essential for this role.

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 are popular job titles related to Virtual Reality Developer jobs in California? For Virtual Reality Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Virtual Reality Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Reality Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,466 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Design Producer -- Reality Labs HI Design

Design Producer -- Reality Labs HI Design

Meta

Burlingame, CA

$132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

The Design Producer is the operational force that keeps the Reality Labs Human Interface Design studio running and products shipping. You will own end-to-end design and software production across Meta's Reality Labs device portfolio, orchestrating cross-functional execution at high craft and speed.You'll partner with the project lead to co-author production strategy, assemble and lead sprint teams, navigate hardware and software constraints, and build AI-native workflows that fundamentally change how design production works. This is not program management — it's technical production leadership with creative authority.
Design Producer — Reality Labs HI Design Responsibilities:
  • Own end-to-end production of design and software experiences from concept through ship, managing scope, timelines, resourcing, and quality across the full development lifecycle
  • Co-author production plans with the project lead, shaping scope, staffing, and strategic priorities based on user value and business goals
  • Navigate hardware and software constraints and partner with engineering to make trade-off decisions that maintain a seamless user experience
  • Assemble and lead sprint teams — small, cross-functional groups that form around a design challenge, execute at high craft, and reform
  • Evaluate design quality and represent the design point of view in cross-functional forums, making creative calls in time-sensitive situations with competing priorities
  • Build and orchestrate AI-native tools and workflows that redesign the creative pipeline at a systems level
  • Translate high-level strategy into executable roadmaps and product briefs that synthesize customer needs for cross-functional teams
  • Gather and provide design and development feedback across internal teams and external partners

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience in production, program management, or operational leadership within product design, hardware/software development, or a related creative/technical field
  • Experience shipping consumer products that span hardware and software
  • Track record managing complex, cross-functional productions end-to-end through the full development lifecycle
  • Working knowledge of hardware/software integration and the ability to engage with engineering on system constraints and architecture decisions
  • Experience with AI tools and workflows in a production or design operations context
  • Demonstrated craft sensibility with experience evaluating design quality and providing actionable feedback to cross-functional teams and the ability to evaluate design quality and provide actionable feedback

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Comfort operating at the intersection of creative vision and technical software execution
  • Understanding of software architecture, APIs, platform dependencies, and how design decisions impact engineering implementation
  • Experience in a producer role within software development, film, games, industrial design, or consumer hardware
  • Ability to articulate testable product hypotheses and translate strategy into actionable plans
  • Background working in studio-model environments
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Familiarity with software development lifecycles, agile/sprint methodologies, and shipping software at scale
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Experience building AI-powered tools or automations for creative or software production workflows
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Familiarity with AR/VR product development and the constraints of wearable or embedded software

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.
$132,000/year to $190,000/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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