XR Developer

The Open University; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university seeks an XR Developer to join their cutting-edge XR Studios in Milton Keynes. This hybrid role involves designing and optimizing immersive learning experiences for over 100,000 students worldwide. You will collaborate with a dynamic team to integrate advanced XR technologies and ensure the effectiveness of educational content. The ideal candidate will excel in using both Unreal Engine and Unity, possess strong DevOps experience, and demonstrate creativity in problem-solving skills. Competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive staff benefits

Support with applications and development

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Unreal Engine and Unity including optimization and spatial audio.
• Experience with Git, Docker, and Perforce.
• Ability to collaborate across functions in an Agile environment.
• Background in UI/UX design.
• Creative approach to problem solving.
• Familiarity with motion capture and 3D modeling.
• Experience using AR and VR SDKs like OpenXR.
• Experience with usability testing for spatial applications.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize immersive XR learning experiences.
• Work closely with teaching staff to create effective solutions.
• Integrate XR capabilities for interactive experiences.
• Ensure readiness of assets for real-time rendering.
• Support data management and maintain clean code.

Skills

Proficiency with games engines (Unreal Engine, Unity)

Experience of DevOps and tools (Git, Docker, Perforce)

Agile project management skills

Understanding of interaction and UI/UX design

Creative and pragmatic problem solving

Experience in motion and volumetric capture

Experience with XR-specific SDKs

Experience in usability testing for spatial applications

Education

First degree in a relevant subject

Job description

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

About the Role

The Open University XR Studios in Milton Keynes are a new state-of-the-art extended reality and advanced media production facility, comprising motion and volumetric performance capture, LED volume virtual production, and related specialist equipment for 3D scanning, 360-degree photography and videography, and virtual outside broadcast and recording. An integral part of the studios is an advanced sports and natural sciences lab.

The XR Developer will play an important role in our mission to deliver innovative 3D and immersive content and experiences right across the curriculum, for 100K+ OU students worldwide.

Please note: while this is a hybrid role, there is a requirement to work on site in Milton Keynes 4 days per week. We do also ask for flexibility here in response to business needs.

Key Responsibilities

The XR Developer will strengthen the programming capabilities of The Open University’s XR Studios team, which includes XR Technical Lead, Studio Project Manager, academic leads, and 3D and technical artists and developers.

Specific duties include:

• Design, develop and optimise immersive XR learning experiences for delivery online, on mobile and on headset
• Work closely with teaching staff and members of the XR Studios team to define feasible, effective and creative solutions
• Explore and integrate the extent of the XR Studios’ capabilities including motion and volumetric capture and 3D scanning, for interactive learning experiences in virtual worlds
• Ensure readiness of development assets and environments for real-time rendering and capture including Unreal and Unity projects and configurations
• Support data management, archiving, restoring and tracking data
• Maintain clean, well-documented and testable code.

About You

• Proficiency with games engines (Unreal Engine, Unity), including optimisation, lighting, feedback, spatial audio, profiling, logging
• Experience of DevOps and tools such as Git, Docker, Perforce
• Agile project management skills and cross-functional collaboration
• Understanding of interaction and UI/UX design
• Creative and pragmatic approach to problem solving.
• Experience of one or more of: motion, performance and volumetric capture, 3D modelling, animation, vfx, and virtual production
• Experience with XR-specific software development kits (SDKs) for AR and VR platforms, such as OpenXR, Meta SDK, Microsoft Spatial Tools
• Experience of usability testing or accessibility for spatial applications
• First degree in a relevant subject (or relevant professional experience).

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email [e-mail] quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

Shortlisting will take place on 19 January 2026

Early closing date notification

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting statement of no more than 1000 words outlining how you meet the essential criteria.

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application,please contact:[e-mail] .

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Please use our AL home page to find AL vacancies.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.