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Research Scientist Intern, Product Design Engineering (PhD)

Meta
Redmond, WA Intern
POSTED ON 4/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/16/2026
As a Research Scientist Intern at Reality Labs, you will help design solutions for next generation consumer mixed reality (MR) products. You will explore the ergonomics of MR headset design, investigating how each engineering design parameter impacts user comfort. This position will apply engineering principles to solve real-world problems. Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and have various start dates throughout the year.

Research Scientist Intern, Product Design Engineering (PhD) Responsibilities:

  • Research and explore skin contact comfort and establish foundational work
  • Collaborate with user research, concept development, and simulation teams to correlate qualitative user feedback with quantitative engineering metrics.
  • Develop characterization methods for fabric constructions to quantify their properties that are critical to skin contact comfort.
  • Investigate the skin contact discomfort threshold as a function of wearable duration and load level.
  • Collaborate with other researchers and engineers to develop prototypes.
  • Communicate research agenda and findings to collaborators across disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Human Factors & Ergonomics, Textile Engineering, or related field
  • Experience using 3D CAD software such as NX, solidworks, Creo, CATIA
  • Knowledge of building experimental setups via various technologies, such as 3D printing, CNC, laser cutting, Arduino, LabView, etc
  • Knowledge of signal processing and 3-dimensional data processing techniques
  • Familiarity with test and evaluation methods for user studies
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis on human test data
  • Knowledge of material properties for fabric and human skin
  • Experience using Matlab, Python, JMP or equivalent
  • Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
  • Intent to return to a degree-program after the completion of the internship/co-op

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with simulation analysis including skin properties (Ansys or equivalent)
  • Knowledge of measurement system analysis (MSA) and Six Sigma
  • Knowledge of using 3D scan systems
  • Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment

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.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.

$7,313/month to $12,134/month 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.

Salary : $7,313 - $12,134

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