Research Acoustic Systems Engineer

About

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Acoustic Systems Engineer to advance the science and engineering of audio systems for next-generation augmented and virtual reality devices, including wearables and smart glasses. In this role, you will define the acoustic architecture of future AR/VR products, driving research into spatial audio, microphone array design, loudspeaker systems, and acoustic signal processing. You will shape the long-term technical direction of audio hardware and algorithms, working at the intersection of acoustics research and consumer wearable product development to deliver transformative listening and communication experiences.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, and validate acoustic systems for research hardware platforms
• Develop models of loudspeakers, microphones, and audio systems to inform design decisions
• Define objective audio performance targets and KPIs for research hardware
• Lead factory test design and specification for prototype and research builds
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, software teams, and researchers to optimize acoustic trade-offs and evaluate audio algorithms
• Develop automated measurement tools and workflows for acoustic characterization, and document simulation results and technical reports
• Coordinate with key partners (Researchers, Mechanical Engineers, System Engineers, Leadership, Operations) to support new and ongoing projects
• Manage project schedules, milestones, delivery, and relationships with prototyping vendors and contract manufacturing partners

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in acoustic systems engineering, including transducer design, acoustic modeling, and system-level audio performance optimization
• Experience designing and characterizing microphone arrays and loudspeaker systems for consumer electronics or wearable devices
• Experience with acoustic simulation tools (e.g., FEM/BEM solvers such as COMSOL or similar) and measurement instrumentation for acoustic characterization
• Experience leading technical strategy and driving cross-functional alignment on acoustic architecture decisions across hardware, software, and product teams
• Experience defining objective and subjective audio evaluation methodologies
• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience Experience developing automated measurement and tuning tools for audio system characterization and verification
• Experience publishing or presenting original research in acoustics, audio engineering, or a closely related field
• Experience in modeling complex multi-disciplinary systems
• Experience tuning real-time audio algorithms (e.g., EQ, dynamics processing, loudspeaker protection)
• Experience defining audio performance KPIs for hardware systems
• Familiarity with mechanical design principles, FEA, and advanced materials
• MS/PhD in Acoustics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Experience with acoustic test equipment such as CLIO, Klippel, SoundCheck, Audio Precision, or similar
• Familiarity with DSP fundamentals including digital filters, gain control, and dynamics processing
• Understanding of transducer design and digital signal processing