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Virtual Reality Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Critical Facility Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$88K/yr

The Critical Facility Engineer will be a part of the Facility Operations team responsible for ... and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to ...

Meta

Leased Facility Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$129K/yr

The Leased Facility Engineer (LFE) is a key onsite role within Meta's Global Leased Facility ... and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to ...

Meta

Critical Facility Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$104K/yr

The Critical Facility Engineer will be a part of the Facility Operations team responsible for ... and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to ...

Meta

Leased Facility Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$129K - $186K/yr

The Leased Facility Engineer (LFE) is a key onsite role within Meta's Global Leased Facility ... and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to ...

IMEG

Controls Intern | Urbandale, IA

Des Moines, IA

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

IMEG is hiring a Controls Intern in Urbandale, IA to support engineering analysis, design, and ... Real impact from day one: at IMEG, an intern once became our Virtual Reality leader * Exposure ...

IMEG

Controls Intern | Urbandale, IA

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

IMEG is hiring a Controls Intern in Urbandale, IA to support engineering analysis, design, and ... Real impact from day one: at IMEG, an intern once became our Virtual Reality leader * Exposure ...

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Virtual Reality Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$17.7K

$86.7K

$182.9K

How much do virtual reality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reality engineer in Iowa is $86,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,045.00 and $109,190.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a virtual reality engineer?

Virtual Reality Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences and applications. They use a combination of software development, 3D modeling, and hardware integration to create interactive environments that can be used in gaming, education, training, healthcare, and other industries. VR engineers work with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, and often collaborate with designers, artists, and hardware specialists to deliver realistic and engaging virtual experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual reality engineer?

To thrive as a Virtual Reality Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as C#, C++, or Unity), a solid understanding of 3D graphics, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with VR development platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as experience with VR hardware SDKs (e.g., Oculus, HTC Vive), are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to developing immersive and technically sound VR experiences that meet user needs and push technological boundaries.

What are some common challenges virtual reality engineers face when developing immersive experiences?

Virtual Reality Engineers often encounter challenges related to optimizing performance for real-time rendering, ensuring user comfort to prevent motion sickness, and creating intuitive interactions within the virtual environment. Balancing visual fidelity with hardware limitations and maintaining low latency for a seamless experience can be demanding. Collaboration with designers, artists, and UX specialists is crucial to address these issues and achieve engaging, user-friendly VR applications.

Are virtual reality engineers in demand?

Virtual Reality engineers are in high demand due to the growing adoption of VR technology across gaming, training, healthcare, and other industries. Employers seek professionals skilled in 3D modeling, programming, and hardware integration, often requiring knowledge of tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. The field offers strong job growth prospects as VR continues to expand into new applications.

How do you become a virtual reality engineer?

To become a virtual reality engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, along with skills in programming languages such as C++ or C#. Experience with 3D graphics, game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and understanding of hardware components are also important. Gaining hands-on experience through projects, internships, or certifications can help build relevant expertise in VR development.

How much does a virtual reality engineer make?

The average salary for a virtual reality engineer ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and skill set. Professionals with expertise in 3D modeling, programming, and experience with VR development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine tend to earn higher salaries.

What does a virtual reality engineer do?

A virtual reality engineer designs and develops immersive VR experiences by creating software, 3D models, and interactive environments. They often work with programming languages like C++ or Unity, and may test hardware and software to ensure seamless user experiences in gaming, training, or simulation applications.

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reality Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Virtual Reality Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Virtual Reality Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Reality Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Virtual Reality Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Reality Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,670 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Critical Facility Engineer

Meta

Cedar Rapids, IA

$88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is seeking a data center Critical Facility Engineer to join our Data Center Facility Operations team. Our data centers serve as the foundation upon which our software operates to meet the demands of our customers. The Critical Facility Engineer will be a part of the Facility Operations team responsible for operating and maintaining critical systems in our data centers.
Critical Facility Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Perform hands-on operations and maintenance which includes all physical and administrative operations tasks, service, and maintenance in accordance with site processes and procedures to ensure the highest levels of uptime, efficiency, and safety without disruption to the business
  • Complete work order requests accurately and on time in an enterprise asset management (EAM) system (Hexagon)
  • Achieve and maintain a high-level of technical knowledge regarding data center infrastructure and operations. Successfully complete personnel qualification standards (PQS) training
  • Provides technical expertise and assistance as required
  • Respond quickly, using Meta procedures or emergency operating procedures to data center facility emergencies
  • Regularly inspect equipment, buildings, safety routes and grounds to check or identify any abnormal or unsafe conditions or faults
  • Troubleshoot, evaluate and recommend system upgrades
  • Order parts and supplies for maintenance and repairs
  • Work with vendors and contractors to ensure work is in accordance with the agreed Meta processes, procedures, and standards
  • Escalate issues to facility management appropriately and timely
  • Assist in scheduling and supervising vendors/subcontractors during equipment/systems maintenance and service
  • Provide recommendation of improvements to the operations and maintenance program on an on-going basis
  • Required to work on a shift schedule, which may include nights and holidays
  • Utilize computerized tooling, in a control room environment, to operate remote equipment, monitor system alerts, centralize communications, diagnose faults, and prioritize dispatching of resources

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of experience in electrical, HVAC, mechanical, controls, or other technical maintenance field
  • Associate's degree in engineering plus 4+ years experience or Bachelor's degree in related field plus 2+ years experience in electrical, HVAC, mechanical, or controls will be considered in lieu of 6+ years experience
  • Use hands and fingers
  • Reach/push/pull with arms/hands/shoulders
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl
  • Lift and/or otherwise move 45 pounds or more
  • Sit or stand at a workstation for extended periods of time
  • The candidate will need to be experienced in a broad range of industries such as electrical generation, electrical distribution, cooling technologies, building control and fire protection systems

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

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.
$88,005/year to $124,010/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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