Research Acoustic Systems Engineer

Meta; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Acoustic Systems Engineer to advance the science and engineering of audio systems for next-generation augmented and virtual reality devices, including wearables and smart glasses.

In this role, you will define the acoustic architecture of future AR/VR products, driving research into spatial audio, microphone array design, loudspeaker systems, and acoustic signal processing.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of industry experience in acoustic systems engineering
• Experience designing and characterizing microphone arrays and loudspeaker systems for consumer electronics or wearable devices
• Experience with acoustic simulation tools (e.g., FEM/BEM solvers such as COMSOL or similar) and measurement instrumentation for acoustic characterization
• Experience leading technical strategy and driving cross-functional alignment on acoustic architecture decisions across hardware, software, and product teams
• Experience defining objective and subjective audio evaluation methodologies
• Bachelor’s degree in Acoustics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, and validate acoustic systems for research hardware platforms
• Develop models of loudspeakers, microphones, and audio systems to inform design decisions
• Define objective audio performance targets and KPIs for research hardware
• Lead factory test design and specification for prototype and research builds
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, software teams, and researchers to optimize acoustic trade-offs and evaluate audio algorithms
• Develop automated measurement tools and workflows for acoustic characterization, and document simulation results and technical reports
• Coordinate with key partners (Researchers, Mechanical Engineers, System Engineers, Leadership, Operations) to support new and ongoing projects
• Manage project schedules, milestones, delivery, and relationships with prototyping vendors and contract manufacturing partners

Skills

8+ years of experience

Microphone arrays design

Acoustic simulation tools

Cross-functional leadership

Audio evaluation methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Acoustics/Physics/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

CLIO

Klippel

SoundCheck

Audio Precision

Job description

Summary

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Acoustic Systems Engineer to advance the science and engineering of audio systems for next-generation augmented and virtual reality devices, including wearables and smart glasses. In this role, you will define the acoustic architecture of future AR/VR products, driving research into spatial audio, microphone array design, loudspeaker systems, and acoustic signal processing. You will shape the long‑term technical direction of audio hardware and algorithms, working at the intersection of acoustics research and consumer wearable product development to deliver transformative listening and communication experiences.

Responsibilities

1. Design, analyze, test, and validate acoustic systems for research hardware platforms
2. Develop models of loudspeakers, microphones, and audio systems to inform design decisions
3. Define objective audio performance targets and KPIs for research hardware
4. Lead factory test design and specification for prototype and research builds
5. Collaborate with mechanical engineers, software teams, and researchers to optimize acoustic trade‑offs and evaluate audio algorithms
6. Develop automated measurement tools and workflows for acoustic characterization, and document simulation results and technical reports
7. Coordinate with key partners (Researchers, Mechanical Engineers, System Engineers, Leadership, Operations) to support new and ongoing projects
8. Manage project schedules, milestones, delivery, and relationships with prototyping vendors and contract manufacturing partners

Minimum Qualifications

1. 8+ years of industry experience in acoustic systems engineering, including transducer design, acoustic modeling, and system‑level audio performance optimization
2. Experience designing and characterizing microphone arrays and loudspeaker systems for consumer electronics or wearable devices
3. Experience with acoustic simulation tools (e.g., FEM/BEM solvers such as COMSOL or similar) and measurement instrumentation for acoustic characterization
4. Experience leading technical strategy and driving cross‑functional alignment on acoustic architecture decisions across hardware, software, and product teams
5. Experience defining objective and subjective audio evaluation methodologies
6. Bachelor’s degree in Acoustics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience publishing or presenting original research in acoustics, audio engineering, or a closely related field
2. Understanding of transducer design and digital signal processing
3. Experience with acoustic test equipment such as CLIO, Klippel, SoundCheck, Audio Precision, or similar
4. Experience in modeling complex multi‑disciplinary systems
5. Familiarity with DSP fundamentals including digital filters, gain control, and dynamics processing
6. Familiarity with mechanical design principles, FEA, and advanced materials
7. Experience defining audio performance KPIs for hardware systems
8. Experience tuning real‑time audio algorithms (e.g., EQ, dynamics processing, loudspeaker protection)
9. MS/PhD in Acoustics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
10. Experience developing automated measurement and tuning tools for audio system characterization and verification

Public Compensation

$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Industry

Internet

Equal Opportunity

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E‑Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Accommodations

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].