Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI)

About the Department:

The Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) exists to support Masons entrepreneurial and innovation goals by cultivating and supporting Mason-founded startups rapid prototype development high-value knowledge job creation and regional economic development through serious game technology discovery to improve the human condition.

About the Position:

The Project Developer at the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) plays a pivotal role in supporting the ideation creation and management of projects that advance the institutes applied research incubator and outreach initiatives. This position requires a highly adaptable individual with strong technical expertise in game development and emerging technologies. The Project Developer leads and oversees both individual and team-based projects ensuring alignment with VSGIs strategic goals and technological standards. This role also includes representing VSGI in various internal and external engagements.

Responsibilities:

Provides design development and coding expertise for VSGI projects and grant-funded initiatives.

• Designs and implements interactive digital experiences using Unity Unreal and other industry-standard engines;
• Writes and maintains scalable efficient code for serious game applications;
• Collaborates with faculty and external partners to translate research into prototypes; and
• Troubleshoots cross-platform technical issues.

Leads and manages VSGI research and start-up projects including timelines asset creation and development workflows.

• Develops project plans with clear milestones and deliverables;
• Oversees asset creation and integration;
• Coordinates interdisciplinary teams;
• Documents decisions and project outcomes; and
• Conducts QA testing and iterative improvements.

Facilitates communication among VSGI staff affiliated companies students university administration and external stakeholders;

• Serves as liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders;
• Leads regular meetings and collaborative sessions; and
• Mentors student interns and junior developers.

Delivers project updates and presentations to stakeholders including corporate partners faculty administrators and government officials.

• Prepares and presents reports on project status and impact;
• Tailors presentations to diverse audiences;
• Contributes to grant reporting and proposals; and
• Represents VSGI at public events;

Develops new resources and tools to support VSGI and affiliated programs when not directly engaged in project work.

• Researches and prototypes emerging technologies; and
• Supports curriculum development and outreach.

Represents VSGI in meetings with clients partners and dignitaries including in the absence of the Director.

• Acts as spokesperson for VSGI;
• Builds relationships with partners and agencies;
• Facilitates strategic discussions; and
• Ensures continuity of leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience (generally minimum of 3 years) in game development including Unity and Unreal Engine;
• Experience with VR AR and AI technologies;
• Familiarity with source control systems (e.g. Git);
• Knowledge of grant-funded initiatives;
• Strong project management and team coordination skills;
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and shifting project needs;
• Ability to investigate adopt and integrate new technologies as needed;
• Proven ability to lead development projects and ensure timely scoped delivery;
• Proficiency in programming for game engines and related platforms;
• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to game development (e.g. C# C Python); and
• Strong capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in related field;
• Experience (generally 5 years) in Computer Game Design Development;
• Experience in serious game development; and
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists faculty staff students and community members.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration applicants must apply for theProject Developer Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) at and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date: January 9 2026

For Full Consideration Apply by: January 24 2026

Open Until Filled:Yes