VR/XR Technology and Systems Intern – Spring 2027
Job Description
Build Accessible VR Career Experiences and Assess AI Tools for Young Adults with Disabilities.
KARINA Association Inc. is a nonprofit that supports young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. We are seeking a VR/XR Technology and Systems Intern to help us create and run the technology behind our Abilities Rising Technology Lab, a program that uses virtual reality, assistive technology and AI to help participants explore careers and build job skills.
You will work directly with the Operations Manager, Assistive Technology & IT Training. This is a hands-on technical role where you will film and edit 360-degree video, prepare it for VR headsets, build a simple private web page for viewing it on laptops and screens, assess AI tools, and keep our devices and files organized, secure, and ready to use.
What You'll Do
You will support the day-to-day technology and content operations of our assistive technology program. Your work will focus on filming, editing, testing content, and assessing AI tools, and on keeping our equipment and files running well and secure.
Key Responsibilities
- Capture and edit 360-degree video for career exploration and vocational training scenarios, preparing footage to meet the technical requirements for VR playback.
- Upload content to VR headsets, test playback and screen casting, and troubleshoot and resolve basic technical issues.
- Help set up and maintain an easy-to-use, private web page where content can be viewed on laptops and other screens by people who prefer not to use headsets.
- Keep the Lab organized: a digital content library with clear folders, consistent file names, version control and backups; an equipment record for cameras, headsets, storage cards and accessories; and a usage log of which content is used, technical issues and feedback.
- Write and maintain technical documentation: quick-reference guides, setup and troubleshooting steps, and training materials for Job Coaches and other staff.
- Prepare a short monthly report for your supervisor on content produced, equipment status, usage, feedback and next steps.
- Test and assess AI tools that support accessibility, documentation and content work, and report what works.
- Follow KARINA's consent, privacy and filming procedures, and keep video content and individuals' information confidential.
Technology You Will Use
360-degree cameras, VR headsets, video editing software, screen casting, web publishing for a private viewing page, cloud and local file storage with backups, AI tools, and project tracking tools.
What You'll Gain
- Hands-on experience with 360-degree filming, video editing and VR content preparation.
- Practical IT experience in device setup, troubleshooting, file management and data backup.
- Experience writing technical documentation, including quick-reference guides, troubleshooting steps and equipment records.
- Experience reporting your work: a monthly report on content produced, equipment status and what is working.
- Experience creating accessible technology and applying assistive technology and VR/XR in vocational training for young adults with IDD.
- Portfolio-ready projects: edited videos, a viewing web page and staff guides.
- Regular mentorship and feedback from your supervisor, including a midpoint and a final evaluation.
- Academic credit may be possible through your college. KARINA will meet your institution's requirements.
Qualifications
Required
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field. A Maryland college or university is preferred.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Interest in VR/XR, assistive technology or accessible digital experiences.
- Willing to learn 360-degree filming and video editing. Training will be provided.
- Comfortable handling cameras, headsets, storage devices and digital files.
- Organized and able to keep files and records accurate and consistent.
- Willing to follow privacy, consent and information-handling procedures.
- Comfortable and respectful working alongside young adults with IDD.
- Reliable, and able to manage recurring weekly commitments onsite.
Preferred
- Experience with 360-degree cameras, video editing, VR devices, file management or basic web development.
- Familiarity with web accessibility