ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Virtual Reality Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Sensor Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

Meta Wearables team seeks an Engineer with system design skills and consumer electronics experience ... and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to ...

General Atomics

Machine Learning Engineer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

Completes programming and implements efficiencies, performs testing and debugging. * Completes ... Adapts machine learning to areas such as virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial ...

Applied Materials

Mechanical Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

... virtual reality headsets, autonomous vehicles and more - transform their ideas into reality. Our ... Own projects and complete engineering activities with limited supervision. * Work with other ...

Amat

Mechanical Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

... virtual reality headsets, autonomous vehicles and more -transform their ideas into reality. Our ... Own projects and complete engineering activities with limited supervision. * Work with other ...

Meta

Product Quality Engineer, Networking

Fremont, CA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

Meta is seeking a Product Quality Engineer responsible for developing and implementing world class ... and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to ...

Nvidia

Senior Software Engineer - CUDA Driver

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

... virtual reality. This multi-functional role requires collaboration with hardware architects, deep learning specialists, and both internal and external partners to advance the CUDA architecture. With ...

Google

Senior Optical Engineer, XR

San Jose, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a specialized field ... Experience with AR, virtual reality (VR), or heads-up display (HUD) optics. * Experience managing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 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 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 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.
Sensor Hardware Engineer

Sensor Hardware Engineer

Meta

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 188 rated software companies

Job description

Meta Reality Labs is building products that make it easier for people to connect with the ones they love most. We are a team of experts developing and shipping products at the intersection of hardware, software, and content. Our team has the responsibility for taking breakthrough concepts and delivering them to market at scale. Meta Wearables team seeks an Engineer with system design skills and consumer electronics experience to develop and integrate solutions in future Meta products.
Responsibilities
Collaborate closely with cross functional teams and external partners to push the boundaries of technologies and deliver best-in-class hardware solutions
• Lead efforts to integrate new technologies into high volume consumer products through all stages of product development (from prototyping, design through mass production)
• Generate analytical models of subsystems and validate them through design of experiments and lab testing
• Perform static, dynamic, structural and thermal-mechanical analyses to guide design optimization before hardware prototyping
• Collaborate with vendor resources to leverage their team and maximize the focus of internal resources on adding value to and differentiating our product
Minimum Qualifications
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or practical equivalent work experience
• 8+ years of relevant industry experience or similar
• Expertise in advanced technologies, focused on consumer electronics products
• Experience leading technical teams, cross-functional groups and vendors
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience to bring new technologies to product
• Demonstrated experience to integrate sensing technologies such as optical sensors, capacitive touch sensors or motion sensors in a product
• Experience performing bench-level sensor characterization and analytical work
• Experience in developing algorithms, test scripts, and firmware
• Experience communicating novel concepts to broad audience succinctly and in simple terms
• Experience in mass production and familiarity with factory activities and environments
• Knowledge of the relationship between physical layout and electrical performance
• Demonstrated experience with reviewing and editing firmware and basic algorithms
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.

What Meta employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply