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Virtual Reality Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Curriculum Developer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$113K - $169K/yr

Collaborate with SMEs, engineers, product teams, and operators to identify training requirements ... Familiarity with defense, aerospace, robotics, virtual reality/augmented reality, or software ...

Computer Vision Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$183K - $257K/yr

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to drive the productization of gesture ... and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to ...

PCB Layout Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

Meta's Reality Labs hardware team is seeking a PCB Layout Engineer to help bring next-generation virtual and augmented reality devices to life. In this role, you will own the physical design of ...

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Virtual Reality Developer information

See California salary details

$16

$52

$80

How much do virtual reality developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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 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 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.
Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$113K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE JOB
Anduril Industries is seeking a Curriculum Developer to join our Training team to support our product operations and maintenance training programs. This role is critical to scaling internal knowledge, enabling product readiness, educating our customers, and aligning team capabilities with our mission-driven work. The Training Manager will work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) across multiple business lines to analyze, design, develop, and deliver training programs that support our rapidly evolving product portfolio and operational landscape.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Collaborate with SMEs, engineers, product teams, and operators to identify training requirements and define clear learning outcomes.
  • Conduct needs assessments to identify skill gaps and align training programs with business objectives.
  • Design and develop curriculum frameworks, course outlines, evaluation, and instructional materials using the ADDIE and Kirkpatrick models, and other instructional design methodologies.
  • Translate complex, technical information into engaging and digestible learning experiences for diverse audiences.
  • Create content for blended learning formats including instructor-led training (ILT), e-learning modules, job aids, and hands-on practicals in support of both Train-the-Trainer and direct-to-customer deliverables
  • Incorporate adult learning theory and industry best practices to drive knowledge retention, engagement, and performance outcomes.
  • Partner with content creators, trainers, and other Training Team members to ensure programs are effectively delivered and assessed.
  • Maintain version control, documentation standards, and compliance with internal training systems and platforms.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3+ years of experience in curriculum development, instructional design, or training program management-ideally in a technical, engineering, or defense-related environment.
  • Proven ability to partner with technical SMEs to extract and organize information into structured learning paths.
  • Strong knowledge of instructional design models and frameworks, including ADDIE, SAM, Gange's, Merrill's, and other adult learning theories.
  • Demonstrated experience project management skillsets, including: scope planning, communications, stakeholder alignment, monitoring, and closure.
  • Experience developing training content for diverse modalities (ILT, VILT, eLearning, performance support tools).
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
  • Familiarity with defense, aerospace, robotics, virtual reality/augmented reality, or software systems.
  • Experience using authoring tools such as Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, Techsmith Camtasia, or similar.
  • Understanding of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and training tracking tools (e.g., Cornerstone).
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
  • Ability to facilitate impactful, effective train-the-trainer events.
  • Work history with complex engineering or operations-focused companies or Department of Defense.
  • High attention to detail and quality in documentation and deliverables.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Technical Communication, or related field.

US Salary Range
$113,000-$169,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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