Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts
Classification: Info Technology Spec 1
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Manassas, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Pay Band: 04
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:The Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) exists to support Mason's 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 institute's 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 VSGI's 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:- Bachelor's 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 fo