VR Programmer/Developer

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

2d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ASU EdPlus is a unit of Arizona State University focused on designing and scaling digital teaching and learning models that increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement. Dreamscape Learn, a collaboration between Dreamscape Immersive and ASU, creates virtual reality and 2D labs and course experiences combining experiential pedagogy with cinematic storytelling. The VR Programmer/Developer joins the Dreamscape Learn team to build story-driven VR applications and educational experiences. Working under senior staff guidance, the role contributes independently and collaboratively with artists, developers, project leads, and stakeholders. The position uses Unity 3D, C#, emerging technologies, and AI-driven workflows to turn creative concepts into polished, immersive products. This is an in-person, hybrid position based at Creativity Commons on ASU’s Tempe campus; reliable commuting to Tempe is required. Flexible work arrangements are subject to approval under ASU policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience appropriate to the assignment or field, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or training providing comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to reliably commute to Tempe, Arizona, for an in-person, hybrid position.
Eligibility to work in the United States; ASU EdPlus will not sponsor this position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, game development, or a related field.
Expert-level experience developing VR experiences and interactions with Unity 3D and game engine development, including extensive experience with Unity Timeline or similar cinematic sequencing tools.
Experience developing and integrating assets, animation, audio, visual effects, and UI/UX directly in-engine.
Strong C# programming skills and understanding of object-oriented and/or data-oriented programming.
Experience working with VR headsets and hardware.
Experience with version control systems such as Git, Perforce, Unity Version Control (Plastic), or Bitbucket.
Experience optimizing mobile VR, including 3D assets, textures, materials, shaders, draw calls, VFX and particle systems, and light-baking to improve performance and maintain visual quality and stable frame rates on mobile and standalone VR devices.
Experience using agentic coding tools and AI-assisted development workflows for 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 adapt quickly to new technologies, workflows, and creative direction.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Ability to work effectively independently, collaboratively, and across multidisciplinary teams.
Passion for creating engaging, immersive, and accessible educational experiences.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
A portfolio or links to relevant programming, Unity 3D, VR/AR development, interaction design, or technical art projects may be required.

Responsibilities

Develop robust C# systems and intuitive, tactile, responsive mechanics for VR.
Translate sketches, storyboards, and animatics into playable prototype levels and complete immersive experiences that demonstrate gameplay and user experience concepts.
Use Unity Timeline and sequencing tools to create narrative moments and shape the pacing, rhythm, and flow of immersive experiences.
Collaborate with artists, designers, and project leads to turn creative briefs and storyboards into polished, functional VR prototypes.
Work with cross-functional teams to find creative solutions, identify production constraints, and provide technical feasibility recommendations.
Package, deploy, and maintain VR builds for internal reviews and stakeholder feedback, ensuring features are stable, playable, and ready for presentation.
Work with team leads to develop gameplay systems, create internal development tools, and resolve production bugs.
Evaluate and integrate SDKs, tools, and platform updates; collaborate on technical challenges and improvements to project infrastructure.
Mentor and provide feedback and professional guidance to support growth in a fast-paced production environment.
Assume or coordinate other duties or projects as assigned or directed.