Research Engineer, Machine Perception (Project Aria)

Meta; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 217,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Meta Reality Labs Research is seeking a Research Engineer in Machine Perception for Project Aria. You will develop algorithms and software to turn perception research into deployable AR/VR technology, working from sensor design to state estimation, tracking and 3D reconstruction.

The role involves prototyping hardware/software, optimizing systems, and collaborating across researchers and engineers to deliver robust solutions for future devices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in CS/engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in C++ or Python.
• Experience building and shipping software systems.
• Experience with statistical analysis and mathematical modeling.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute engineering development to advance machine perception for AR/VR.
• Develop prototypes from research to on-device deployment.
• Improve accuracy, efficiency, scalability and stability of systems.
• Design, implement and evaluate algorithms against real sensor data.
• Build tooling and infrastructure (data pipelines, replay/evaluation systems, benchmarks).
• Collaborate across disciplines and communicate progress and results clearly.

Skills

C++

Python

Software design

Algorithms

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant field

Job description

Meta Reality Labs Research (RL Research) brings together a multidisciplinary, cross-discipline R&D team with the shared goal of developing the next generation of AR and VR technologies. The Project Aria team works on complex, open problems in machine perception — building the complete stack from sensor design through state estimation, tracking, calibration, and 3D reconstruction to novel scene representations. We are seeking a Research Engineer to develop and advance the algorithms and software systems that turn cutting‑edge perception research into robust, deployable technology on future AR/VR devices.

Research Engineer, Machine Perception (Project Aria) Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute innovative engineering development to advance the state-of-the-art in machine perception for AR/VR — including vision‑language models (VLMs), multimodal and egocentric scene understanding, and foundation models
• Develop and prototype tightly integrated hardware/software technologies, from research prototype to on-device deployment
• Analyze and improve the efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and stability of currently deployed systems
• Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms against real sensor data and experimental hardware
• Build tooling and infrastructure (data pipelines, replay/evaluation systems, benchmarks) that accelerate the research team
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers across disciplines throughout the project lifecycle, and clearly communicate agenda, progress, and results

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 6+ years of C++ or Python experience building and shipping software systems
• Experience understanding, developing, and analyzing complex systems
• Experience with statistical analysis of data and mathematical modeling
• Interpersonal experience: cross-group and cross-functional collaboration
• Must obtain and maintain work authorization in the country of employment during employment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or a related field
• Experience taking research prototypes to deployed products on constrained/embedded hardware
• Track record of results via first-authored publications at leading venues (CVPR, ICCV/ECCV, NeurIPS, ICLR, SIGGRAPH) or widely used open-source contributions
• Broad understanding of the full machine‑perception pipeline, from sensors to high-level algorithms
• Experience with 3D computer vision, SLAM, vision‑language models (VLMs), or multimodal learning

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

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.

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].

$154,003/year to $217,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.