VR Programmer/Developer

Arizona State University (ASU EdPlus) is hiring a VR Programmer/Developer to build story-driven educational VR applications with Unity 3D and C# as part of the Dreamscape Learn/Dreamscape Immersive team.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust C# systems for VR mechanics, creating intuitive, tactile, and responsive interactions.
• Convert sketches, storyboards, and animatics into playable prototype levels through full immersive experiences that demonstrate gameplay concepts and user experience.
• Use Unity Timeline and sequencing tools to craft narrative-driven moments and control pacing, rhythm, and flow.
• Collaborate with artists, designers, and project leads to turn creative briefs and storyboards into polished, functional VR prototypes with strong gameplay feel and cinematic presentation.
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop creative solutions, identify production constraints, and provide technical feasibility recommendations.
• Package, deploy, and maintain VR builds for internal review and stakeholder feedback, keeping features stable, playable, and presentation-ready.
• Support ongoing production by developing new gameplay systems, creating internal development tools, and resolving bugs.
• Evaluate and integrate new SDKs, tools, and platform updates, partnering with the team to address technical challenges and strengthen project infrastructure.
• Provide mentorship, leadership, feedback, and professional guidance to support continuous growth in a fast-paced production environment.
• Assume or coordinate additional duties or projects as assigned or directed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training achieving comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, game development, or a related field.
• Expert-level experience developing VR experiences and interactions using Unity 3D and game engine development, including extensive experience with Unity Timeline or similar cinematic sequencing tools.
• Experience developing and integrating art, gameplay, and functionality in-engine, including assets, animation, audio, VFX, and VFX & UI/UX.
• Strong C# programming skills and understanding of object-oriented and/or data-oriented programming.
• Experience working with virtual reality headsets and hardware.
• Experience with version control systems such as Git, Perforce, Unity Version Control (Plastic), and/or Bitbucket.
• Evidence of mobile VR optimization using 3D assets, textures, materials, shaders, and draw calls; rework VFX and particle systems; and implement light-baking to improve rendering performance, maintain visual quality, and achieve stable frame rates on mobile and standalone VR devices.
• Experience leveraging agentic coding tools and AI-assisted development workflows to support rapid prototyping, debugging, automation, and implementation of interactive VR systems and pipelines.
• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools such as Notion, Jira, ShotGrid, or Trello.
• Ability to quickly adapt to new technologies, workflows, and creative direction.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in collaborative teams, including across multidisciplinary teams.
• Passion for building engaging, immersive, and accessible educational experiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A portfolio or links to relevant projects demonstrating programming, Unity 3D, VR/AR development, interaction design, or technical art skills may be required.

Technologies

• C#, Unity 3D, Unity Timeline
• Git, Perforce, Unity Version Control (Plastic), Bitbucket
• Notion, Jira, ShotGrid, Trello
• Virtual reality headsets
• AI-assisted development workflows, agentic coding tools
• Mobile VR, SDKs
• VFX, VFX and particle systems, VFX & UI/UX

Benefits

• Healthcare
• Financial Security
• Retirement
• Family Resources
• Tuition Reduction (eligible ASU Employee, their dependents and spouse)
• Discounts

Additional Employment Details

• Location: Tempe, AZ (hybrid)
• Campus: Tempe
• Team/Workspace: EdPlus; desk located in the workspace at Creativity Commons on the Tempe campus with the Dreamscape Learn team.
• Working setup: In-person, hybrid position; flexible work options may be available from alternate to remote hybrid schedules subject to approvals per ASU policy.
• Commute requirement: Must be able to reliably commute to Tempe, Arizona.
• Driving: Not required.
• Employment type: Full time
• Job profile: Applications Developer 3
• Job family: IT Applications
• Funding: No Federal Funding
• US work authorization: Applicant must be eligible to work in the United States; ASU EdPlus will not sponsor this position.
• Salary: USD 90,000 - 100,000 per yearly
• Minimum experience: 5 years
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

How to Apply

• Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply through the Workday Jobs Hub.
• Application must include:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume or CV
• Do not withdraw your application to make edits; withdrawn applications cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission.

Screening / Background Checks

• ASU conducts pre-employment screening, which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.
• ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions including a criminal background check and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications; employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
• This position is safety/security sensitive and includes a fingerprint check; employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.