XR Applications Developer

Job description

This job role:

We have a small development team which is growing in size and ambition, and we are looking for experienced developers with a strong foundation in real-time app development, primarily in Unity (XR experience strongly preferred) and/or Swift. This is a full-time, in-person role. Most of the work is rooted in XR-specific development pipelines and projects. This form allows us to capture standardised information about potential future team members. This application will take place over 3 rounds of evaluation:

High-level application gathering (see link to form) → short video application → practical test & in-person interview

About habitat xr

Habitat XR is a multi award-winning Johannesburg based immersive experiences studio with an important mission: to reconnect people to nature using immersive technology. We have produced immersive work in 19 countries over 12 years; from the savannah of the Kruger to the jungles of Rwanda; the springs of Yellowstone to the peaks of the Himalayas filming snow leopards. Our team size ranges from 13-18, with 4 departments (production, cinematic, 3D, development). Habitat XR also has a non-profit entity called the Habitat Nature Parks Foundation which a public-facing focus to use immersive technologies to create empathy and action for our environment. 

The work we do

We amplify the work of non-profit conservation organisations, government agencies and private companies by creating experiences that enable proximity to their missions. The work is varied: from 360 video experiences to augmented reality apps; projection-based hologram shows in sandstone canyons to permanent immersive installations in museums.

 What makes us unique:

• Deeper meaning: we're not just a studio, your work positively shapes the world around us.
• Playing on a global stage to produce high visibility, cutting-edge and ambitious work.
• A culturally rich, inclusive, and quirky team of nature- and tech-loving nerds. 
• An inspiring, multi-disciplinary and open-minded work environment, where you get to be involved beyond the boundaries of your job role.
• Our wellness fund offers full-time team direct expense coverage to support health and wellness activities. 
• Our professional development program for our full-time team provides a budget and scheduled time during work hours to continuously develop individual skills.
• Unrestricted leave policy: no annual cap on how many days leave our team takes, provided that work is done.
• Team Immersions: every 2 months we take our team into nature to stay connected with our mission, and we end the year with an even bigger annual trip. 
• 3-4 week end-of-year leave to recover & recharge.

Applicants requirements - read carefully before applying

If you are not a highly meticulous, well-organised, delivery-focused developer, this role is not for you.

We are looking for experienced developers with a strong foundation in real-time app development, primarily in Unity (XR experience strongly preferred) and/or Swift. The role requires someone who can take ownership of complex technical problems and drive them through to completion, often under time pressure and with evolving requirements, in an exciting but demanding XR environment. 

Habitat XR operates at the frontier of immersive technology. That means the work is not always clean or pre-defined. You will regularly encounter problems that require independent research, experimentation, and practical decision-making. If you enjoy solving real problems and getting working solutions shipped, you should read on.

This is not a role for passengers. We are looking for someone who:

• Has an innate interest in nature and/or animals
• Takes initiative without being asked
• Communicates early when something is at risk
• Manages their time realistically
• Finishes work properly, including testing, handover, and documentation
• Is based in, or would relocate to Johannesburg
• Is a South African citizen
• Has 5+ years professional permanent work experience in the job role

You will be collaborating with a small, ambitious, cross-disciplinary team. Clear communication, accountability, and respect for deadlines are essential. While the role will focus on application development, the role is likely to also extend into broader creative technology including render pipelines, tech support for events, filming 360 and more. 

Finally, this work is purpose-driven. If contributing meaningfully to nature conservation and environmental storytelling can genuinely be your “why” — and you’re prepared for the long, challenging, and rewarding days that come with that — we invite you to continue.

Posted on 22 Jan 14:28, Closing date 23 Mar