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Virtual Reality Developer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

... reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise and consumer markets. Company products ... Proficient with standard optical design software, Zemax, CODE V, Virtual Lab, LightTools, or FRED.

... realistic computational drug discovery scenarios. * Develop reproducible environments (e.g., using ... or virtual screening workflows. * Comfort working with public chemical and bioactivity databases ...

... reality. You have experience developing pricing and offer strategies including shaping the ... DevOps tool chains and processes (Git, Jenkins, Chef, Puppet, Ansible, Salt, and Cloudformation ...

... reality. You have experience developing pricing and offer strategies including shaping the ... DevOps tool chains and processes (Git, Jenkins, Chef, Puppet, Ansible, Salt, and Cloudformation ...

Virtual Reality Developer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$16

$52

$80

How much do virtual reality developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual reality developer in Rochester, NY is $52.13, 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 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 job categories do people searching Virtual Reality Developer jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Reality Developer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Virtual Reality Developer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Virtual Reality Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Virtual Reality Developer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,440 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

$19.04 - $26.63/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

210450 Center for Visual Science

Work Shift:

Range:

UR URG 104 H

Compensation Range:

$19.04 - $26.63

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Performs complex laboratory assignments, planning and conducting a complete project of limited scope or a portion of a larger and more diverse project.

Interdisciplinary research group has a full-time position open for a laboratory technician to aid in the development of cutting-edge technology for vision sciences. If you like solving complex problems that intersect with both hardware and software, this is the job for you!
About Us
The Active Perception Laboratory (https://aplab.bcs.rochester.edu/index.html) of Professors Michele Rucci and Martina Poletti at the University of Rochester seeks to understand the role of eye movements in everyday visual perception. To achieve this goal, the laboratory integrates theoretical and experimental neuroscience, with a particular focus on the interaction between visual, motor, and cognitive processes. The laboratory's research has led to multiple novel findings which have been published in highly regarded, peer-reviewed scientific journals. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the laboratory attracts individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and interests. Projects are highly collaborative and intellectually challenging. You'll never be bored as a member of the Active Perception Laboratory!
The position comes with the standard benefits offered by the University of Rochester, including tuition benefits. The Active Perception Laboratory prides itself in being a supportive work environment, actively helping employees expand their skills and achieve their career ambitions. The lab welcomes applicants at any point in their career, including individuals who are considering graduate or medical school. If interested in this position, please send resume / curriculum vitae, cover letter, and names of two references to Professors Michele Rucci and Martina Poletti, mrucci@ur.rochester.edu and martina_poletti@urmc.rochester.edu
RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop hardware and software for high-precision tracking of head and eye movements, including working with state-of-the-art motion capture systems and our in-house magnetic search coil system.

  • Contribute to the development of virtual reality systems with integrated eye-tracking technology.

  • Help with the refinement of two new types of eye-trackers currently at a prototype stage in the laboratory.

  • Other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma required

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Biomedical, or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field of study, and/or equivalent work experience preferred

  • 5 years of relevant experience or combination of education and experience required

  • 1+ years of experience with C++ and Matlab/Python preferred

  • 1+ years of experience data acquisition and signal processing preferred

  • Hands on experience with electrical circuits and/or mechanical design preferred

  • Ability to work well in a team is essential, as well as self-motivation and the capability to work independently when needed preferred


Schedule: 8:30 AM-5 PM

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.


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