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Virtual Reality Software Engineer Jobs in Midland, MI

Virtual Reality Software Engineer information

See Midland, MI salary details

$54.5K

$126.6K

$176.3K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual reality software engineer in Midland, MI is $126,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $148,500.00 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.

Is virtual reality software engineering a good career?

Virtual Reality Software Engineers develop immersive applications and experiences using programming languages like C++ and Unity or Unreal Engine. The field offers growing opportunities due to increasing demand in gaming, training, and simulation industries, often requiring skills in 3D modeling, graphics, and hardware integration. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Infographic showing various Virtual Reality Software Engineer job openings in Midland, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,591 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

COORDINATOR / XR LAB (PART-TIME)

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI • On-site

$23.50 - $27/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Central Michigan University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

410th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Posting Number
S-3954
Position Number
00400
Type of Recruitment
External
Position Title
COORDINATOR / XR LAB (PART-TIME)
Position Summary
The XR lab coordinator will be responsible for scheduling, maintaining, and updating the college of Education and Human Services' Virtual Reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR) (i.e. XR) lab. This includes overseeing any CMU student help in the lab. Additionally, the coordinator will be responsible for programming for the Center for Excellence in STEM Education (Center) that is likely to include XR lab use. These programs are likely to include College Make, Make Shift, Family Make, and K-12 school field trips.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience that equates to four years in education or a related field.
Demonstrated experience working with K-12 students and teachers.
Must possess strong technology skills.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to follow directions.
Willingness to work some evenings as needed.
Demonstrated ability to be collegial, approachable, team-oriented, positive, and interested in building strong working relationships.
Willingness to travel locally and regionally as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Teacher certification.
Demonstrated experience working with Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and/or design software such as Unity, Unreal or Sketchup.
Demonstrated experience with community outreach.
Duties & Responsibilities
Maintains and updates the XR lab space consisting of 8 stations with high-performance desktop computers and Varjo VR/AR headsets. This includes monitoring both paid and free software accounts to ensure accessibility and functionality.
Troubleshoots minor equipment repairs and hardware/software issues, reaching out to vendors to address larger issues.
Tracks industry developments and recommends the purchase of new and/or updated technologies and software.
Maintains a schedule for XR lab use for both faculty and staff and open lab hours.
Supervises, trains, and mentors student employees assigned to help in the XR lab.
Supports XR lab instruction by assisting users with the operation of equipment.
Supports marketing, registration, and instruction for K-12 student and family programs and College Make (a program for university students) at the Center in both the maker space and the XR lab.
Supports Center website updates and social media posts as needed.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU's mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
Employee Group
Supervisory Technical
Staff Pay Level
4
Pay Range
$23.50 - $27.00 per hour
Division
Academic Affairs
Department
College of Education & Human Services
Position Status
Regular
Position End Date
Employment Status
Part-Time
FTE
0.50
Position Type
12 month
Weekly Work Schedule
20 hours per week, Monday - Friday / some nights and weekends as needed
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
About the Department
The Center for Excellence in STEM Education resides in the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University. The Center primarily serves students in K-12, their families and their teachers through STEM education experiences. The new XR (AR and VR) lab will be available to CMU students, faculty, and staff in addition to programming for K-12 students. The lab consists of 8 stations with VR headsets.
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master's, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men's and women's Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It's part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state's largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the city's central location in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
CMU Leadership Standards
Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.
Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "Know Your Rights " posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled
Yes

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