Contextual AI Research Engineer

Meta

$130K — $180K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of mastery in modern C++ features
  • 3+ years of experience with Python for systems programming
  • Experience in device systems, sensor fusion, and device-to-cloud integration
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration

Responsibilities

  • Architect and build real-time prototypes for advanced device systems
  • Develop and maintain pipelines for sensor data collection and processing
  • Lead secure and scalable device-to-cloud integration efforts
  • Conduct design and code reviews while mentoring fellow engineers
  • Analyze and enhance system efficiency and stability
  • Set project direction and goals for impact, quality, and efficiency
  • Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and product teams throughout project lifecycles
  • Debug hardware/software bottlenecks for improved connectivity and integration
  • Coordinate release engineering for major software versions
  • Lead incident response and mitigation for critical system outages

Benefits

  • Opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies in AI and AR/VR
  • Collaborative and fast-paced research environment
  • Access to mentorship from industry leaders
  • Engagement in cross-functional projects with diverse teams
  • Support for continued learning and professional development
Full Job Description
Meta Reality Labs Research (RL Research) brings together a industry-leading R&D team of researchers, developers, and engineers with the shared goal of developing AI and AR/VR technology across the spectrum. The Surreal platform team is seeking software engineers to build advanced end-to-end contextual AI systems. This role focuses on architecting, developing, and integrating robust software systems for real-time device operation, sensor fusion, and seamless device-to-cloud integration. The team's mission is to deliver reliable, scalable, and performant infrastructure for egocentric devices, supporting features like on-device ML, navigation, localization, sensor data streaming, and cloud connectivity.

Responsibilities

Architect, build, and integrate real-time prototypes for advanced device systems as part of a fast-moving research engineering team
• Develop and maintain robust pipelines for sensor data collection, processing, and streaming between devices and cloud services
• Lead device-to-cloud integration efforts, ensuring secure, reliable, and scalable communication and data transfer
• Conduct design and code reviews, mentor engineers, and provide technical guidance and support
• Analyze and improve efficiency, scalability, and stability of system resources and infrastructure
• Set direction and goals for the team regarding project impact, product quality, and engineering efficiency
• Lead major initiatives, projects, roll-outs, and phased releases for end-to-end system integration
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners in hardware, firmware, cloud infrastructure, and product teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Debug and resolve hardware/software bottlenecks, including connectivity reliability, camera calibration, and sensor integration
• Release engineering for major software versions, including validation, documentation, and cross-team coordination
• Lead incident response and mitigation for critical system outages, collaborating with cross-functional partners

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 5+ years of experience with mastery of modern features in C++
• 3+ years of experience with Python, including experience in systems programming and integration
• Experience developing and designing device systems, sensor fusion, and device-to-cloud integration for robotics or smart device technologies
• Interpersonal experience: cross-group and cross-functional collaboration

Preferred Qualifications
• Industrial experience working on real-time, high-performance device systems, sensor integration, and cloud connectivity in robotics, AR/VR, or related areas
• Hands-on experience building robust pipelines for sensor data streaming, device-to-cloud communication, and system integration
• Proven track record of achieving significant results, as demonstrated by successful launches, patents, or publications at leading conferences
• MSc or PhD degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field

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.

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.

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