Extended Reality (XR) Lab Developer

Company: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Location: Daytona Beach
Posted on: April 5, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Embry-Riddle: Celebrating 100 Years of Leadership in Aviation and Aerospace As Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University marks its Centennial, we proudly celebrate 100 years of advancing the future of flight and aerospace education. With vibrant residential campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ — and a Worldwide network spanning nearly 120 global locations — Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university. For a century, we have led innovation in STEM education, serving more than 30,000 students around the globe. Our cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of flight, exploration, and discovery. As we launch our next century, we remain committed to excellence, innovation, and preparing graduates who will transform industries and redefine what is possible. The Opportunity Developer in the Extended Reality (XR) Laboratory in the College of Aviation. Responsible for the design, development, integration, optimization, and deployment of immersive virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) simulations supporting aviation education, research, and training. This position builds high-fidelity, performance-optimized simulation systems and collaborates with faculty, researchers, and students to develop scalable immersive solutions aligned with aviation and aerospace applications. Essential Job Functions, Duties, or Accountabilities: Simulation Development Design, develop, test, and deploy VR/AR/MR simulations using Unity (C#), OpenXR, and SteamVR. Integrate aviation simulation systems and external flight dynamics models (e.g., JSBSim, X-Plane, custom FDMs). Integrate real-time data streams (TCP/UDP, WebSockets, REST APIs, telemetry systems) into immersive environments. Optimize XR applications for performance including CPU/GPU profiling, draw call reduction, shader optimization, memory management, and LOD systems. Develop multiplayer/networked XR simulations using modern networking frameworks. Implement XR interaction systems including hand tracking, gaze interaction, locomotion systems, accessibility considerations, and human factors principles. Maintain structured version control workflows (Git) and development pipelines. Document technical systems and contribute to research publications and grant proposals as needed. Stay current with emerging XR technologies and recommend equipment/software acquisitions. Project and Laboratory Management Under the direction of the XR Lab Manager Coordinate operation, upgrades, and maintenance of XR Lab hardware and software systems. Support and troubleshoot XR hardware platforms including Meta, Varjo, BigScreen beyond, tracking systems, and haptic devices. Supervise and mentor student assistants and support staff. Manage projects within schedule, budget, and resource constraints. Coordinate scheduling and lab availability for faculty, students, and visitors. Outreach Collaborate with faculty and graduate students on immersive research projects and experimental design. Support data collection and analysis within immersive research environments. Organize workshops, demonstrations, and promotional materials showcasing XR Lab capabilities. Present XR Lab work at academic and industry conferences. Secondary Job Functions or Duties: Technical Advisor Work with students on developing and/or implementing XR applications Collaborate with faculty in developing courseware with content related to technology. Assume duties for colleagues assigned technological responsibilities when necessary. Other duties as assigned. Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle! Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you! Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26. Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period. Generous Time Off: Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9 paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Compensation The annual salary range for this position is mid $65,000s to mid $70,000s. The final offer will consider the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience, along with applicable state regulations, internal equity, and business needs, and may fall outside of the stated range. Qualifications Required Education and Qualifications: Developer in the Extended Reality (XR) Laboratory in the College of Aviation. Responsible for the design, development, integration, optimization, and deployment of immersive virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) simulations supporting aviation education, research, and training. This position builds high-fidelity, performance-optimized simulation systems and collaborates with faculty, researchers, and students to develop scalable immersive solutions aligned with aviation and aerospace applications. • 5 years of object-oriented programming experience. • 5 years of professional Unity (C#) development experience. • Experience developing optimized VR/AR applications for modern XR hardware platforms. • Strong understanding of real-time rendering pipelines (URP/HDRP), shader development, and performance profiling tools. • Experience with multiplayer/networked simulation environments. • Familiarity with OpenXR and SteamVR frameworks. • Experience with source control systems (Git, PlasticSCM). • Experience integrating external systems via REST APIs, TCP/UDP, and telemetry data feeds. • Ability to build complex XR simulations that are optimized and performant. • Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced academic environment. Required Minimum Work Experience 3 – 5 years of relevant professional experience in XR, simulation, or XR game development. Preferred Qualifications • Bachelor/Graduate degree in a software-related or simulation-focused field. • Experience integrating flight simulation systems or aviation training environments. • Experience with 3D content pipelines (Blender, Maya, 3ds Max). • Aviation experience or relevant certifications (pilot, maintenance, UAS). ? Application process/requirements To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R311038 . Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include: Cover letter Full Resume Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process) Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday. Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website .

Keywords: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Orlando , Extended Reality (XR) Lab Developer, IT / Software / Systems , Daytona Beach, Florida