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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

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 beyon