Principal Systems Engineer

Meta is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical vision and leadership for R&D and systems strategy across next-generation VR and Wearables products, including Realistic Avatars, Input, and Health. In this highly influential role, you will set the direction for complex, cross-functional initiatives, shaping Meta’s long-term roadmap and technology investments. You will architect and drive the convergence of advanced sub-systems, mentor technical leaders, foster innovation across multiple teams and organizations, and influence product plans and objectives. Your work will directly impact Meta’s delivery of state-of-the-art consumer experiences at scale, from incubation through mass production.Principal Systems Engineer Responsibilities

Set technical strategy for systems engineering across multiple product lines, influencing Meta’s R&D and product roadmaps for VR, AR, and Wearables

Lead cross-functional teams of research scientists, product managers, technical program managers(TPMs), and engineering leaders to define, architect, and deliver complex, multi-disciplinary systems

Drive technical direction in specialized domains (e.g., CV, ML, Sensors, data infrastructure), identifying and incubating new technology areas with broad organizational impact

Manage and approve system architecture decisions, ensuring alignment with long-term business and technology goals

Mentor and develop engineers and technical leads

Represent Meta externally with key partners, suppliers, and industry forums, shaping industry standards and building strategic alliances

Lead analysis and trade-off studies at the system and organizational level, making high-impact decisions that balance technical, business, and operational considerations

Establish and enforce best practices for requirements definition, system integration, and validation across multiple teams and product lines

Drive resolution of critical technical issues, removing roadblocks and ensuring delivery of high-quality, scalable solutions

Advise executive leadership on technology investments, risk management, and long-term system approaches necessary for AR, VR, and AI experiences

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field

10+ years of experience in systems engineering, technical leadership, or advanced product development

Demonstrated experience leading R&D and productization of complex, multi-disciplinary systems at scale

Expertise in computer vision, machine learning, and systems architecture for consumer electronics

Proven track record of defining and delivering system architectures in areas such as electrical systems, ML, firmware, audio, sensors, wireless connectivity, and displays/optical systems

Experience building and managing strategic partnerships with external partners, suppliers, and cross-functional teams

Problem-solving skills, with a history of mapping trade spaces and driving concepts from ideation to mass production

Recognized as a technical leader and mentor, with experience developing engineers and influencing organizational direction

Experience making architectural trade-offs and decisions with broad business and technical impact

Experience driving rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept development for new product categories

Understanding of consumer electronics and wearable systems across the full technology stack

Experience overseeing multiple subsystems from conception to mass production (hardware, compute, sensors, audio, wireless connectivity, I/O, and firmware)

Active participation in industry standards bodies or technical forums

Minimum QualificationsPreferred Qualifications For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. 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.
$204,000/year to $281,000/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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here. Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, fill out the Accommodations request form.