Edtech.com's Summary

Purdue University Envision Center is hiring an Associate Research Software Engineer. The role involves designing immersive 3D visualizations, VR/AR applications, and simulation tools, leading innovative projects to enhance Purdue's XR platform, mentoring student teams, and contributing to research dissemination for broader impact.

Highlights

Main responsibilities: Designing immersive visualization tools, leading research software projects, mentoring teams, and contributing to publications and conferences.
Required technical skills: Proficiency in Unity with C#, VR/AR and simulation development, scientific visualization, HPC, cloud solutions (AWS, Firebase), and version control (Git).
Project management experience with SCRUM/AGILE methodologies.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Engineering, Computer Science or related field for P1 level, plus one year experience; two years for P2 level.
Additional skills: Software architecture design, object-oriented programming, automated build systems, regression testing, and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Preferred abilities: Strong English communication, presentation skills, and training development.
Collaboration with faculty, students, and industry partners in an interdisciplinary environment supporting research, education, and outreach.
Employment conditions: Exempt status, background check required, no employment authorization sponsorship by Purdue.
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance, and paid time off included.
Career progression available between Professional 1 and Professional 2 levels within pay band S120.

Associate Research Software Engineer Full Description

Innovate at the Intersection of Technology and Discovery

At Purdue, we believe in empowering researchers to push boundaries. As a Research Software Engineer in the Envision Center, you’ll bridge advanced computing and immersive visualization to solve complex challenges, accelerate breakthroughs, and shape the future of scientific exploration.

What You’ll Do
Transform research workflows: Streamline scientific processes and reduce bottlenecks by designing immersive 3D visualizations, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) applications, and data-driven simulation tools for faculty, students, and industry partners.

Lead cutting-edge projects: Collaborate on funded initiatives to develop and expand Purdue’s collaborative XR platform, integrating advanced visualization and data engineering to support research, education, and outreach.

Mentor and inspire: Guide student development teams, providing technical oversight, training, and fostering a culture of innovation and best practices in software engineering.

Drive impact beyond campus: Contribute to conference papers, journal publications, and national computing activities, sharing Purdue’s advancements with the broader research community.

Why Purdue?
Unrivaled collaboration: Work alongside world-class researchers, faculty, and students in a community that values interdisciplinary partnerships and shared success.

Growth and recognition: Access professional development opportunities, attend leading conferences, and contribute to high-impact projects that enhance your technical and leadership skills.

Meaningful innovation: Use cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems, knowing your work directly supports Purdue’s mission to advance discovery and education.

Inclusive culture: Join a team that prioritizes equity, creativity, and the unique strengths of every individual, fostering an environment where all perspectives thrive.

Ready to redefine what’s possible?
Apply today and help build tools that empower researchers to change the world.

This is a dual level posting where the hiring manager will determine the level commensurate with the education and experience of the chosen candidate.

About Us

Purdue University Envision Center

We provide novel solutions to effectively communicate complex research concepts.

Computer graphics, advanced visualization, auditory (sound), haptic (touch), and multimodal interaction integrate with state-of-the-art high performance computation to assist researchers.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Needed:

As the P1 Associate Research Software Engineer you will need the following:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Graphics, Engineering, Computer Science or related fields
One (1) year of formal experience in research software development required
Experience:
- in Unity development with C#
- in VR/AR development, simulation development
- in scientific visualization and media creation
- with project management pipelines, SCRUM/AGILE
- mentoring other professionals and students
In lieu of degree, consideration given to an equivalent combination of education/experience

For the P2 Research Software Engineer you will need the above and following:

Two (2) years of experience in research software development:

Experience in:
- Unity Development with C#
- VR/AR development, simulation development
- Scientific visualization and media creation
- Project management pipelines, SCRUM/AGILE

Skills Needed for both levels:

Practical knowledge of High-performance computing (HPC) resources and cloud solutions (AWS, Firebase)
Ability to:
- work as part of a high-performing team in a collaborative and wide-ranging work environment
  develop documentation
- Team development of virtual simulations
Knowledge of:
- concepts, practices and procedures of common software development methodologies
- version control solutions, i.e. Git
Demonstrated:
- project management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks. Complete projects with minimal supervision
- skills in self-motivation, analytical, and problem-solving skill
- skills in software architecture design, object-oriented design and development, automated build systems, regression testing techniques, and
- other standard software engineering practices

Preferred:

Good verbal and written English communication skills including the ability to consult with researchers
Ability to effectively make presentations and develop and present training material

Additional Information:

Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check will be required for employment in this position
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package (https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/pdf/summaries/2025/Benefits-summary-Admin-Prof-2025.pdf) including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Professional 1

Pay Band S120
Job Code#20003218

Professional 2

Pay Band S120
Job Code #20003219

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EOE / AA

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer.

Original Job Description