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Senior XR/VR Engineer

Seattle, WA

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About The Role

The Senior XR/VR Engineer is a technical leadership role responsible for designing, developing, and implementing extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) solutions to transform nuclear construction, training, and operations. This position combines expertise in immersive technologies, 3D visualization, and real-time rendering to enable AR-guided workflows, VR training simulations, and digital twin visualization for Nuclear OS. You'll work at the intersection of cutting-edge XR technology and nuclear infrastructure, helping to improve safety, reduce errors, and accelerate workforce training.

Key Responsibilities

XR/VR Application Development

  • Design and develop immersive AR/VR applications for nuclear construction, training, and operational support using industry-leading platforms (Unity, Unreal Engine, or similar)
  • Create AR-guided work experiences that overlay 3D models, instructions, and blueprints onto workers' field of view through smart helmets and tablets
  • Build VR training simulations that recreate construction scenarios in controlled environments where mistakes become learning opportunities
  • Develop digital twin visualization tools enabling interactive 3D plant walkthroughs and real-time construction progress monitoring
  • Implement AR overlay systems that display hidden infrastructure (pipes, cables, conduits) behind walls via tablet or headset cameras

Training & Simulation Systems

Create immersive training modules for construction workers, engineers, and operators using VR technology

  • Develop AR welding training solutions that provide real-time guidance on weld quality, accuracy, and proper techniques
  • Build safety training environments using augmented virtuality to improve hazard recognition and situational awareness (Publication Date: 2016-09-30)
  • Design role-based training experiences tailored to specific job functions with interactive, hands-on learning paths
  • Implement serious gaming elements to engage workers and improve knowledge retention (studies show VR training can improve retention by up to 80%)

Nuclear OS Integration

  • Integrate XR applications with Nuclear OS platform ensuring seamless data flow between digital work packages and AR/VR experiences
  • Enable real-time construction monitoring through AR interfaces that flag errors, misalignments, or missed steps using computer vision and sensor data
  • Develop AR-enabled digital work packages that provide just-in-time training and guidance on the job
  • Support robotic teleoperation through AR/VR interfaces for remote operations in high-dose areas
  • Create visualization tools for operations training simulators and engineering design reviews

3D Content & Asset Development

  • Develop high-fidelity 3D models of nuclear facilities, equipment, and construction sites optimized for real-time rendering
  • Create photorealistic environments using photogrammetry, CAD data, and BIM models
  • Build interactive 3D interfaces for exploring digital twins and construction progress
  • Optimize 3D assets for performance across multiple XR platforms (mobile AR, standalone VR headsets, PC-based systems)
  • Implement spatial computing solutions for accurate registration of virtual content in physical environments

Technical Leadership & Innovation

  • Evaluate and recommend XR hardware platforms (HoloLens, Magic Leap, Meta Quest, Varjo, smart helmets, etc.)
  • Establish development standards and best practices for XR application development
  • Lead technical architecture for multi-user collaborative XR experiences
  • Research emerging technologies including spatial computing, hand tracking, eye tracking, and haptic feedback
  • Optimize performance for real-time rendering, tracking accuracy, and latency reduction
  • Mentor junior developers on XR development techniques and tools

Safety & Quality Assurance

  • Ensure XR applications meet nuclear safety standards and do not interfere with critical operations
  • Develop testing protocols for XR applications in construction and operational environments
  • Implement user safety features to prevent disorientation, motion sickness, and situational awareness loss
  • Create quality control tools using AR to verify installations, detect deviations, and identify errors

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Game Development, Computer Graphics, or related field (Master's preferred)
  • 7+ years of professional experience in XR/VR/AR development
  • 3+ years in a senior or lead developer role
  • Experience with industrial, construction, or training applications preferred

Technical Skills - XR Development

  • Expert proficiency in Unity3D or Unreal Engine for XR application development
  • Strong experience with AR frameworks (ARKit, ARCore, Vuforia, AR Foundation)
  • Proficiency in VR development for multiple platforms (Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Varjo, PSVR)
  • Experience with mixed reality platforms (HoloLens, Magic Leap)
  • Knowledge of spatial computing, SLAM, and markerless tracking technologies
  • Understanding of hand tracking, eye tracking, and gesture recognition systems

Technical Skills - 3D & Graphics

  • Strong 3D modeling skills using Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, or similar tools
  • Experience with photogrammetry software (RealityCapture, Metashape, Pix4D)
  • Proficiency in shader development and real-time rendering optimization
  • Knowledge of BIM software integration (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD)
  • Understanding of PBR materials, lighting, and visual effects
  • Experience with 3D optimization techniques for mobile and standalone devices

Technical Skills - Programming

  • Expert programming skills in C# (Unity) or C++ (Unreal)
  • Proficiency in graphics APIs (OpenGL, DirectX, Vulkan, Metal)
  • Experience with networking and multi-user synchronization
  • Knowledge of computer vision and image processing
  • Familiarity with cloud services and real-time data streaming
  • Understanding of version control (Git) and CI/CD pipelines

Domain Knowledge

  • Understanding of construction workflows and industrial processes
  • Knowledge of training methodologies and instructional design
  • Familiarity with safety protocols and hazard recognition
  • Experience with digital twin concepts and real-time data integration
  • Understanding of human factors and ergonomics in XR design

Soft Skills

  • Excellent problem-solving abilities with creative approach to technical challenges
  • Strong communication skills to explain complex XR concepts to non-technical stakeholders
  • User-centered design mindset with focus on usability and accessibility
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (engineers, designers, trainers, safety personnel)
  • Project management skills to deliver XR solutions on schedule
  • Adaptability to rapidly evolving XR technologies and platforms

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in nuclear, energy, or highly regulated industries
  • Background in game development or interactive media
  • Knowledge of instructional systems design (ISD) and systematic approach to training (SAT)
  • Experience with haptic feedback systems and force feedback devices
  • Familiarity with accessibility standards for XR applications
  • Published research or presentations on XR/VR/AR technologies
  • Experience with AI/ML integration in XR applications
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity considerations for XR systems

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation packages
  • 401k with company match
  • Medical, dental, vision plans
  • Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $121,000 - $143,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role.

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.

Export Control
Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration of certain applicants.

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