Extended Reality (XR) Lab Developer

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.

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.

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 tomid $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.