Extended Reality (XR) Lab Developer

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.