Hardware Engineer – 4D Immersive & Virtual Reality Systems

Location: Des Moines, IA or Remote Possible Job Type: Full-Time - Founding Team - Equity to start and salary upong raising our first round of funding. Industry: Location-Based Entertainment (LBE), Virtual Reality, Immersive Technology About NFZ NFZ is at the forefront of immersive entertainment, developing cutting-edge 4D virtual reality experiences that engage multiple senses. Our technology integrates advanced haptic feedback, environmental effects (heat, cooling, mist, breeze, and scent), and high-fidelity VR systems to create an unparalleled interactive experience. We’re looking for a Hardware Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of our immersive 4D hardware systems. This role requires expertise in VR hardware development, mechanical and electrical engineering, CAD modeling, and software-hardware integration for real-time experiences. Key Responsibilities • Design & Develop Immersive 4D Hardware Engineer hardware solutions that integrate haptics, sensory effects, and motion platforms for VR environments. Design mechanical enclosures and electronic components using CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar). Develop and prototype custom VR peripherals, controllers, and actuators for seamless interaction. • Software & Hardware Integration Work with software teams to ensure real-time synchronization between hardware and VR environments. Develop firmware and communication protocols (USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Serial) for sensor-driven hardware. Implement embedded systems, microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, etc.), and real-time computing for VR interactions. • Prototyping & Testing Rapidly prototype new devices and iterate on designs for performance, durability, and usability. Conduct stress tests, environmental simulations, and latency optimizations to ensure smooth VR experiences. • Collaboration & Documentation Work closely with VR developers, mechanical engineers, and UX designers to optimize hardware usability. Create technical documentation, schematics, and guidelines for manufacturing and assembly. Required Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. 3+ years of experience in hardware development for VR, gaming, robotics, or immersive technologies. Strong expertise in CAD modeling & mechanical design (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD). Experience with electronics, PCB design, and prototyping (Altium, Eagle, KiCad). Knowledge of haptics, actuators, and sensor-driven interactions for real-time applications. Experience with firmware development & microcontrollers (C/C++, Python, embedded systems). Familiarity with VR hardware (Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Varjo, etc.) and their SDKs. Understanding of software-hardware integration in game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine). Bonus Skills Experience with motion platforms, robotics, and force feedback systems. Knowledge of computer vision, LiDAR, and spatial tracking technologies. Familiarity with manufacturing and supply chain processes for hardware production. Why Join Us? Be part of a game-changing immersive technology team redefining entertainment. Work on cutting-edge 4D VR experiences integrating multiple sensory inputs. Competitive salary, benefits, and an opportunity to shape the future of interactive entertainment.