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Virtual Reality Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Engineers are expected to provide realistic schedule estimates, communicate status accurately, and ... Linux software development and debugging Git version control and collaborative development ...

Be Seen First

Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Engineers are expected to provide realistic schedule estimates, communicate status accurately, and ... Linux software development and debugging Git version control and collaborative development ...

Software Engineer *

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

Virtual Service Operations is searching for an experienced Software Engineer to join our dynamic IT team in Ashburn, VA. This hybrid role requires candidates to work approximately 2 days per week on ...

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Software Engineer *

Ashburn, VA · Hybrid

$89K - $131K/yr

Virtual Service Operations is searching for an experienced Software Engineer to join our dynamic IT team in Ashburn, VA. This hybrid role requires candidates to work approximately 2 days per week on ...

Software Engineer *

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

Virtual Service Operations is searching for an experienced Software Engineer to join our dynamic IT team in Ashburn, VA. This hybrid role requires candidates to work approximately 2 days per week on ...

Software Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

The experienced software engineer will design, develop, test, and perform analysis in a highly ... Ability to configure and maintain virtual machines and host servers Preferred: * Strong math skills ...

Software Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

The experienced software engineer will design, develop, test, and perform analysis in a highly ... Ability to configure and maintain virtual machines and host servers Preferred: * Strong math skills ...

Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$79K - $162K/yr

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... reality. A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical ...

Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$79K - $162K/yr

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... reality. A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical ...

As a Software Engineer you will have the unique opportunity to solve hard problems and help turn complex concepts into reality to advance and enhance systems supporting the defense of our nation. In ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

The Sr Software Engineer will support the design, development, testing, and documentation of ... Analyze software performance in realistic operational Naval environments and scenarios. * Support ...

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$82K - $172K/yr

Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... reality. A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical ...

Introduction We are seeking a Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain cloud-based ... Demonstrated experience with networking and Virtual Private Network (VPN) protocols like OpenVPN ...

Introduction We are seeking a Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain cloud-based ... Demonstrated experience with networking and Virtual Private Network (VPN) protocols like OpenVPN ...

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Showing results 1-20

Virtual Reality Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$63K

$146.3K

$203.7K

How much do virtual reality software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reality software engineer in Virginia is $146,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Virtual Reality Software Engineer vs Augmented Reality Developer?

AspectVirtual Reality Software EngineerAugmented Reality Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; experience with 3D graphics and game enginesBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; knowledge of AR SDKs and 3D modeling
Work EnvironmentDevelops immersive VR applications for gaming, training, or simulation in tech or gaming companiesCreates AR apps for mobile devices or AR glasses in tech, retail, or healthcare sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming, simulation, and training industriesPrimarily in retail, healthcare, and marketing sectors

While both roles involve 3D development and immersive experiences, Virtual Reality Software Engineers focus on creating fully immersive VR environments, whereas Augmented Reality Developers enhance real-world views with digital overlays. The skills overlap, but their applications and target platforms differ.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Virtual Reality Software Engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in 3D development, and working at top tech companies or in senior leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives in addition to base salary.

How much does a VR engineer make?

A virtual reality software engineer typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Senior roles or those with expertise in 3D graphics, C++, and game engines like Unity or Unreal tend to have higher salaries.

Is VR engineering a good career?

VR engineering, involving the development of virtual reality software and hardware, is a growing field with increasing demand in gaming, training, and simulation industries. It requires skills in programming, 3D modeling, and understanding of VR hardware platforms, offering opportunities for innovation and specialization. The career can be rewarding for those interested in emerging technologies and immersive experiences.

What tech jobs pay 400,000 a year?

Virtual Reality Software Engineers can earn $400,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in 3D graphics, C++, and game engines, and roles in leading tech companies or startups. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and benefits, reflecting the demand for advanced VR development expertise.
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Reality Software Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Virtual Reality Software Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Reality Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Reality Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Virtual Reality Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Virtual Reality Software Engineer job openings:
AR/VR/XR Visualization Research and Development Engineer

AR/VR/XR Visualization Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a driven, innovative Visualization Research and Development Engineer to join the Advanced Visualization Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department develops cutting-edge visualization solutions that push the boundaries ofcollaborative visualization, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) applications for critical national security missions.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Design experiences, interactions, and applications that support effective collaboration for research sponsors
  • Design and implement application programming interfaces (APIs) to pass data between disparate software applications
  • Develop methodologies for effective integration, visualization, and dissemination of novel 3D data sources using game-engine-based synthetic environment frameworks
  • Create tool workflows or visual communication methods using internally and externally-developed toolkits to illustrate and document complex concepts
  • Integrate features and solutions with synthetic environment frameworks being applied to multiple sponsored projects across domains
  • Deploy solutions to Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) platforms including the latest hardware from Meta, Varjo, HTC, and others
  • Perform systems engineering activities to improve data flows and processes
  • Brief research sponsors on technical solutions
  • Develop engineering and technical documentation
  • Draft whitepapers and proposals for research sponsors

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

  • Lead the development and prototyping of hardware and software-based solutions for sponsor challenges
  • Define immersive interaction standards
  • Develop new processes for visualizing content using immersive technology
  • Develop and manage new sponsor relationships
  • Design and develop architectures of industry-related engineering systems, applying knowledge of complex principles, theories, concepts, tools and techniques to design challenges
  • Independently manage multiple and/or large IT projects
  • Plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope
  • Understand broad strategic objectives and contribute to them
  • Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to ensure programs meet customer
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for the sponsor when needed

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Software development proficiency (C#, Python, or Java)
  • Team-based software development, troubleshooting, and deployment experience
  • Software engineering, systems engineering, human computer interfaces, or visualization technologies

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Master's Degree
  • Active security clearance, TS/SCI preferred, or current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret/Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
  • Advanced software development in C#, Python, or Java focusing on modular programming and performance
  • Extended Reality (XR) application development (Unity/Unreal)
  • Cloud deployment experience (AWS/Azure)
  • Software containerization and deployment (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, Helm, etc.)
  • DevSecOps experience
  • Graphics programming - rendering, graphical shaders, etc.
  • Network programming such as TCP/UDP and client-server
  • Messaging interfaces (ActiveMQ, DDS, Kafka, etc.)
  • Databases (PostGRES-PostGIS preferred)
  • Performance optimization and process automation experience
  • Geospatial data formats and standards
  • CompTIA Security+ certification
  • Project management or related skills

Your working location will be: fully on-site located in State College, PA or Reston, VA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $200,808.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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