VR/XR Developer

VR Training Engineer

Boxborough, MA | Full-Time / Contract | On-site with some remote development

About the Role

AFTREAT, in partnership with Myra EB Systems, runs a Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)-funded Pathmaker workforce training program that prepares unemployed and underemployed Massachusetts residents for careers in life sciences and biomanufacturing. We are seeking a VR Training Engineer to design, build, and maintain immersive virtual reality modules that simulate hands-on biomanufacturing equipment and GMP procedures for our training cohorts.

This is a hands-on, build-it-yourself role: you'll work closely with our curriculum and lab teams to translate real equipment workflows — gowning, autoclave operation, pH and conductivity testing, filtration, TFF (tangential flow filtration), Sepax C-Pro, AKTA chromatography systems, and bioreactor operation — into realistic, accessible VR training experiences for adult learners with no prior lab experience.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop VR simulations of core biomanufacturing equipment and GMP procedures, including gowning, autoclave, pH/conductivity testing, filtration, TFF, Sepax C-Pro, AKTA, and bioreactor systems
• Translate SOPs and real-world lab workflows, provided by our curriculum and lab partners, into step-by-step interactive VR modules
• Build and iterate 3D assets, environments, and interaction logic using industry-standard game/VR engines
• Test modules with instructors and trainees, incorporate feedback, and troubleshoot hardware/software issues on training days
• Maintain and update existing VR content as equipment, procedures, or curriculum needs evolve
• Support on-site VR headset setup, calibration, and technical troubleshooting during live training sessions
• Document module design decisions and maintain a versioned library of VR training content
• Collaborate with program staff to align VR content with overall session pacing (training runs 10:00 AM–2:00 PM) and learning objectives

Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated experience building VR applications or simulations (portfolio, coursework projects, or professional work)
• Proficiency with a VR/3D development engine such as Unity or Unreal Engine, including C# or C++
• Comfort with 3D modeling/asset pipelines (e.g., Blender, Maya, or similar) or ability to work with existing asset libraries
• Experience with major VR hardware platforms (e.g., Meta Quest, HTC Vive, or similar standalone/tethered headsets)
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with instructors and adult learners who are new to both biomanufacturing and VR technology

Preferred:

• A recently completed Master's degree (within the last 1–2 years) in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Simulation/Game Design, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Coursework or project experience in instructional design, simulation-based learning, or training technology
• Exposure to life sciences, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or GMP environments (not required, but a plus)
• Experience designing for novice/non-technical end users

What We Offer

• The opportunity to build hands-on, high-impact training technology used directly by real trainees entering biomanufacturing careers
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment supporting Massachusetts workforce development
• Flexibility to combine independent development work with on-site collaboration during training cohorts
• Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience

Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lexington, MA 02420