Role Overview

ELL Accelerator is a small disruptive team of visionaries created to discover, prototype and test innovative learning experiences using emerging technologies. As a Manager, XR Software Development, you will be a part of a small innovation lab responsible for the continuous discovery, prototyping, development and productization of new technologies across the English Language Learning division. In this role, you will work closely with the product, tech, and design teams specializing in cutting-edge AI, XR, and Web3 technologies.

As a Manager, XR Software Development, you will be responsible for building and leading the full-stack XR team of 3D artists, Game Developers, Game Designers, and establishing an XR center of expertise inside the ELL division. You will bring in tech leadership, helping Pearson ELL compete and win in the space of Immersive Language Learning.

Primary Responsibilities

• You bring both a deep technical understanding of emerging technologies, in particular VR,

• as well as a good sense of how to build products in these spaces.

• You will help build and lead a team of engineers, 3D artists and gameplay programmers to work on XR language learning products.

• You will manage developers and freelancers that create prototypes that explore how VR/AR and AI can help us teach languages

• You will be responsible for setting up and managing our agile development processes and to lead and mentor XR developers

• You will work closely with internal product, engineering, AI/ML teams and software architects to prepare experimental features for productization and to ensure emerging solutions comply with our internal tech architecture and policies

• Guide developers in exploring the creative space offered by language learning with emerging technologies, for example by prototyping

• You will be the technical point of contact for the ELL Accelerator team and will own technical discussions and solutioning when working with our innovation partners and 3 rd parties.

• You will help evangelize for immersive learning, bringing technical visionary thought leadership to our technical and product roadmaps, ensuring our products are future-proof and based on the latest technical state of the art

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience working on VR software

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience with software development using Unity/C#

• Proven track record of bringing a product from concept to prototype to market

• Solid understanding of UX for VR applications

• Understanding of what works and what does not work for language learning in VR

• Experience working with curriculum designers / language experience designers

• Experience leading and supervising technical teams in the areas of XR and/or AI

• Strong working knowledge of software development and establishing software architectures

• Experience mentoring developers and reviewing technical deliverables

• Good knowledge of software architecture and software design, in particular for software

• development with Unity/C#

• Experience working with early-stage startups, corporate innovation labs, and testing new products or features

• Experience in the Education or EdTech sector, with understanding of EdTech players, use cases, and applications

• Experience working on language learning products or assessments is a plus

• Open to new ideas, intellectually honest and rigorous

• Operates as a self-aware, effective team player

• Comfortable operating in a changing and ambiguous environment

• Adaptive and solutions oriented

• Awareness of and ability to handle International and cultural sensitivities

• Experience of working and thriving in a global matrix organization is a plus

• English language is a must, foreign languages a plus

• Ability and experience to work remotely with a distributed team located across different time zones

Please share resumes in English.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: TECHNOLOGY

Organization: English Language Learning

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 8748

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