1

Virtual Reality Developer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Design Technician

Chino, CA · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

... reality? At RedBuilt, we're shaping the future of construction with innovative engineered wood products and cutting-edge systems, using Virtual Design & Construction practices. With 60+ years of ...

Showing results 21-28

Virtual Reality Developer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$18

$56

$87

How much do virtual reality developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual reality developer in Irvine, CA is $56.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.37 and $69.42 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual reality developer?

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 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.

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.

Are virtual reality developers in demand?

Virtual reality developers are in high demand as industries like gaming, healthcare, education, and training adopt VR technology. The role requires skills in 3D modeling, programming, and experience with VR platforms such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as VR applications expand across sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reality Developer jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Virtual Reality Developer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Virtual Reality Developer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Virtual Reality Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Virtual Reality Developer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,971 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Director of Advanced Capabilities

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,990 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril Maritime delivers platforms, systems, and integrated effects in the maritime domain. Our autonomous vehicles (sub-surface and surface) are the cornerstone of these capabilities, and we continually strive to push the boundaries of the possible in terms of endurance, autonomy and mission capability. The Maritime team develops and maintains core products and payloads, and adapts and applies those products to serve a wide variety of defense, IC and commercial customers in US and international markets.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a Director of Advanced Capabilities to join our rapidly growing team in Costa Mesa, CA or Washington, D.C. In this role, you will serve as the critical bridge between cutting-edge engineering and real-world naval warfare. You will lead the team that defines how Anduril's autonomous maritime systems - operating collaboratively, across domains, and at scale - change the calculus of modern naval warfare.
The ideal candidate possesses a rare combination of military operational expertise, analytical rigor, and corporate strategic vision. You are as comfortable discussing high-fidelity mission modeling with software engineers as you are discussing operational concepts with senior military commanders.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Drive Warfighting Capability Analysis & CONOP development: Lead warfighting capability analysis across the Maritime Division. Author the tactical "playbook"-defining Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for manned and unmanned platforms, and employment strategies for how operators will utilize Anduril's maritime products.
  • Bridge the Gap Between Tech & Tactics: Distill complex operational research and threat analysis into clear, prioritized capability needs for engineering teams, ensuring product development solves real-world operational problems.
  • Conduct Future Threat Studies: Lead forward-looking studies to project operational challenges years into the future, identifying capability gaps and defining what new products Anduril must develop to help customers maintain overmatch.
  • Act as Chief Translator & Briefer: Serve as the primary operational interlocutor for customers. Lead high-level briefings, mission modeling reviews, guide wargaming scenarios and Virtual Reality (VR) tactical demonstrations.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with the Head of Growth, maritime General Managers, and Maritime leadership to align business development strategies with technical roadmaps and operational problems.
  • Lead & Scale a World-Class Team: Manage, mentor, and grow a global team of warfighting capability analysts. Develop modern analytical tools, modeling methodologies, and wargaming approaches that lead the operational analysis field and drive Anduril's product development.
  • Define Integrated Effects: Lead cross-domain analysis spanning sub-surface, surface, air, and the broader joint kill web - defining how Anduril maritime systems contribute to integrated effects beyond any single domain.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Exceptional Leadership & Gravitas: Proven ability to command a room, build trust, and communicate complex concepts to stakeholders ranging from software engineers to 4-star Admirals.
  • Strategic & Analytical Experience: 10+ years of experience in defense strategy, operational planning, operational analysis, systems engineering or related technical fields.
  • Technical Literacy: Strong grasp of analysis, modeling and simulation (M&S) tools, or operational research methodologies.
  • Defense Ecosystem Knowledge: Deep understanding of Joint and naval warfare, the maritime domain, and the defense acquisition lifecycle.
  • Deep analytical experience: Demonstrated experience building or leading a modeling, simulation, and wargaming capability - constructive simulation, operational analysis, and campaign/mission modeling - with the ability to defend methodology and assumptions to both engineering and senior operational audiences.
  • Autonomy: Deep understanding of autonomous and collaboratively autonomous systems, manned-unmanned teaming, and integrated cross-domain (joint) effects - with the ability to translate the operational advantages of scale, attritability, and software-defined autonomy into warfighting concepts.
  • Education: Degree or Post Grad degree in Operations Research and Statistics.
  • Security Clearance: Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Military Service: Prior military experience or active-duty operational background, with first-hand experience in tactical planning, mission execution, or maritime defense systems.
  • Maritime Domain Expertise: Direct experience working in maritime or naval environments, with specific knowledge of undersea warfare (USW), Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW), mine countermeasures (MCM), maritime domain awareness (MDA), counter-targeting and related missions.
  • Technical / Software Background: Experience with software development, systems engineering, or digital engineering tools to help drive the development of internal analytical tools and product design concepts.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

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

Social media