Virtual and augmented reality may be the future, but it’s also the present in Clark County. In a recent job listing for a Meta software/firmware infrastructure engineer lead in Vancouver, the company identified itself as the world leader in the design of virtual and augmented reality systems. Meta owns social media giant Facebook. “Come work alongside expert engineers and research scientists to create the technology that makes (augmented reality) and (virtual reality) pervasive and universal,” read the listing. It went on to say applicants should be comfortable working in a computer lab environment with a variety of devices. It also mentioned that firmware for virtual and augmented reality systems requires collaboration between multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, optical, firmware and software. “Join the adventure of a lifetime as we make science fiction real and change the world,” read the listing.

Meta’s chief executive officer and founder, Mark Zuckerburg, is expected to unveil the next generation of Meta Quest virtual reality devices at Meta’s Connect conference Oct. 11. American high-tech company Jabil Inc. is also opening operations locally. The company is hiring for a slew of engineering and technical positions in Vancouver, including mechanical engineers, industrial engineers, electrical engineers and an optical test engineer. Jabil works in numerous industries, including virtual and augmented reality. It began hiring for positions at its Vancouver location in March. Neither Meta nor Jabil Inc. responded to requests for comments.