Virtual Reality Software Engineer

About the role

Our client, a leader in aerospace & defense, is seeking a VR/XR Software Engineer to join a small, fast-moving innovation team operating in a startup-style R&D environment. The team works onsite Monday through Friday in Cedar Rapids, IA. This is a 1-year W2 contract opportunity with benefits.

You will build immersive virtual reality experiences for aerospace applications — highly interactive digital environments that let customers, executives, and stakeholders explore aircraft systems, flight decks, and related products without physical hardware. The role sits at the intersection of VR development, 3D visualization, simulation, and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy immersive VR environments that realistically simulate aviation flight decks, displays, controls, and related equipment
• Build interactive user experiences for operating virtual switches, touchscreens, buttons, and cockpit controls using hand tracking, controllers, and haptic input
• Develop intuitive navigation experiences, onboarding environments, and virtual worlds that guide users through complex product demonstrations
• Integrate simulation data, backend systems, and external applications to create dynamic and responsive VR experiences
• Evaluate and implement new VR hardware, software platforms, and XR tools as technologies evolve
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to rapidly prototype and iterate on new concepts

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience developing immersive VR, XR, AR, or interactive 3D applications
• Hands-on experience with Unity (C#) and/or Unreal Engine (C++/Blueprints) and/or Python for application development and integration
• Experience utilizing OpenXR, SteamVR, Unity XR Interaction Toolkit, Meta Quest SDK, or similar XR frameworks
• Familiarity integrating software with simulation platforms, APIs, networked systems, REST services, WebSockets, TCP/UDP communication, or backend systems
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis (no sponsorship available)

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Experience with 3D asset pipelines (Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, or similar tools)
• Experience developing applications for Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Varjo, or other standalone and PC-tethered XR devices
• Experience integrating with flight simulation platforms such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D, or similar environments
• Experience applying AI, computer vision, image generation, or machine learning technologies within immersive, simulation, or visualization environments
• Prior experience or interest in aerospace, aviation, defense, automotive, or simulation industries highly valued

Employment details

• Seniority: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Contract (1-year W2)
• Location: Onsite, Cedar Rapids, IA (Monday–Friday)
• Industries: Airlines and Aviation, Computer Games, Space Research and Technology
• Benefits included with contract
• Pre-employment screening required