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; andTroubleshoots 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; andConducts 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; andMentors 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; andRepresents 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; andSupports 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; andEnsures 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 for game engines and related platforms;Proficiency in programming languages relevant to game development (e.g., C#, C++, Python); andStrong capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in related field;Experience (generally, 5+ years) in Computer Game Design Development;Experience in serious game development; andDemonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, faculty, staff, students, and community members.
Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must apply for the
Project Developer, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) at
https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete 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