AR/VR Interaction Designer

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. 

What We Offer

Salary:

$132,000.00 - $181,500.00

Location:

Austin,TX

You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more. 

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits. 

 

 

As a Software Engineer at Applied Materials, you’ll dive deep into ground-breaking technologies—like machine learning and AI—to craft novel software solutions that solve our customers’ high-value problems. Our Software Engineers are responsible for designing, prototyping, developing, and debugging software solutions for semiconductor equipment components and devices to ensure quality and functionality. You'll develop software documentation and test procedures, troubleshoot software problems, and communicate with internal customers to understand project requirements. As part of our team, you'll contribute your expertise in intricate systems, deciphering code, and anticipating software behaviors to ensure Applied remains the leader in the semiconductor and display sectors.

 

 

Job Overview

The AR/VR Interaction Designer will craft intuitive, immersive experiences that help users navigate, learn, and perform tasks in augmented and virtual reality. This role emphasizes interaction design, spatial layout, user workflow logic, and prototyping. The ideal candidate understands how to design for spatial computing, structure 3D environments for clarity and usability, and collaborate with developers and SMEs to bring interactions to life.

This is a great role for someone who thinks like a systems designer + interaction engineer, who can shape how users move, act, and understand complex information in 3D space.

Work Location: Austin, full-time on-site

Key Responsibilities

Spatial UX & Interaction Design

• Design user interactions, flows, and behaviors for AR/VR applications, focusing on clarity, ergonomics, and real‑world usability.

• Create spatial layouts that organize 3D environments logically and support task completion—without needing to build complex models from scratch.

• Define interaction patterns (gaze, gesture, controller, hand‑tracking) and specify how users engage with objects, information, and guidance cues.

Prototyping & Experience Architecture

• Develop low‑ to mid‑fidelity prototypes in Unity/Unreal or XR prototyping tools to validate interactions quickly.

• Partner with developers to implement interactive behaviors, refine UX patterns, and test feasibility.

• Iterate rapidly based on feedback from users, SMEs, and engineering partners.

Collaboration with SMEs & Developers

• Work alongside engineers, instructional designers, and AR/VR developers to translate procedures, workflows, and technical tasks into intuitive immersive experiences.

• Provide interaction guidelines, annotated mockups, and behavior specifications for developers.

• Communicate design intent clearly and advocate for user‑centric spatial solutions.

Asset Integration & Environment Structuring

• Import and arrange existing CAD models and 3D assets into functional, navigable AR/VR scenes.

• Identify asset needs and coordinate with 3D artists when higher-fidelity or optimized models are required—without being responsible for full asset creation.

• Optimize environment layout (scale, affordances, lighting, navigation flow) for usability and performance.

Documentation & Design