Research Scientist, Camera and Sensor Systems

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Scientist to advance the science of camera systems and sensor technologies for next-generation augmented and virtual reality devices. In this role, you will conduct foundational and applied research to develop novel imaging architectures, sensor modalities, and computational photography pipelines that enable immersive, real-world-aware experiences on wearable AR/VR hardware. Your work will directly shape the perceptual capabilities of Meta's spatial computing platforms, from smart glasses to mixed reality headsets, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in scene understanding, depth sensing, and real-time visual capture at the intersection of optics, hardware, and algorithms.
Research Scientist, Camera and Sensor Systems Responsibilities
Define and drive the long-term research vision for camera and sensor systems across Meta's AR/VR and wearable device portfolio
Conduct original research in imaging science, sensor physics, computational photography, and multi-modal sensing to solve fundamental challenges in spatial computing
Architect novel sensor fusion frameworks that integrate data from RGB cameras, depth sensors, IMUs, and other modalities for robust real-world perception
Develop and validate computational imaging algorithms including HDR, low-light enhancement, optical flow, and real-time image signal processing pipelines for resource-constrained wearable hardware
Collaborate with hardware engineering, optics, and silicon teams to co-design sensor architectures that meet the form factor, power, and latency requirements of AR glasses and VR headsets
Translate research prototypes into production-quality systems by partnering with product and engineering teams across the full development lifecycle
Publish research findings in top-tier peer-reviewed venues and represent Meta at leading conferences in imaging, computer vision, and sensor science
Establish technical direction and research roadmaps for camera and sensor capabilities, influencing multi-year product strategy across Reality Labs
Mentor and provide technical guidance to other researchers and engineers working on imaging and sensing problems
Identify and evaluate emerging sensor technologies and imaging paradigms that could define the next generation of wearable perceptual systems

Minimum Qualifications:

12+ years of research experience in camera systems, computational imaging, sensor design, or a closely related field
Demonstrated record of research leadership resulting in publications in top-tier venues such as CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, SIGGRAPH, ICCP, or IEEE Transactions on Image Processing
Experience designing or co-designing imaging hardware and sensor systems, including knowledge of optics, image signal processing pipelines, and sensor physics
Experience developing and deploying computational photography or sensor fusion algorithms on embedded or resource-constrained platforms
Track record of translating foundational research into product impact at scale, including cross-functional collaboration with hardware and engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with AR/VR or wearable device development, including understanding of the unique imaging and sensing constraints imposed by head-mounted form factors
Expertise in depth sensing technologies such as structured light, time-of-flight, or stereo vision, and their integration with RGB imaging systems
History of filing patents and driving intellectual property strategy in camera, optics, or sensor domains
Experience applying machine learning and neural network approaches to image reconstruction, scene understanding, or sensor calibration problems

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 Whats App 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.
For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information.
United States of America: $219,000/year to $301,000/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.
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