Mechanical Engineer, Data Systems Hardware

About the role

Reality Labs is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of internal data collection hardware. The Data Systems Hardware & Operations team designs, builds, and deploys the devices and systems used to capture the datasets behind Reality Labs products. This work spans development of data collection headsets and wearable prototypes, sensor-integrated form factor mockups, and the necessary infrastructure to integrate these systems into data collection operations. These systems support Codec Avatars, Input, and Health programs across all Reality Labs devices, and enable the algorithm development and research behind those programs.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical architecture and design for data collection devices from concept through deployment to collection sites.
• Design head-worn and body-worn prototypes integrating sensors (cameras, IMU, audio, etc.), illumination, and data aggregation into wearable form factors.
• Hold sensor alignment and repeatable positioning across participants.
• Manage thermal and mass distribution under wear constraints.
• Meet fit, comfort, and participant safety requirements across a range of head and body geometries.
• Ensure prototypes are durable enough for sustained use by non-engineering operators and serviceable in the field.
• Operate across mechanical, optical, electrical, systems, and firmware boundaries.
• Partner with research, program management, and data collection operations.

Requirements

• Comfort with full system requirements often undefined at project start.
• Ability to adapt as research direction and program priorities shift, establishing requirements through prototyping and measurement.
• Experience working in high-ambiguity, fast-paced development environments.