Hardware Engineer Intern, Camera & Sensing Architecture

The Camera Architecture team within Camera, Depth & Sensors (CDS) at Reality Labs defines the imaging hardware architecture for Meta's AI glasses, AR glasses, VR headsets, wearable devices, and Physical AI / Robotics platforms. We sit at the intersection of image sensor technology, optics, and the AI/imaging feature stack — translating product vision into camera hardware solutions that ship at scale. Our cameras serve photography, computer vision (SLAM, hand/eye tracking, passthrough), and contextual-AI features.As a Hardware Engineer Intern on the Camera Architecture team, you will help build the quantitative foundation behind camera architecture decisions. Working alongside camera architects and sensor, lens, module, and AI teams, you will develop first-principles models and run trade studies that connect camera hardware parameters — resolution, pixel size, SNR, MTF, dynamic range, frame rate, shutter type, power — to the product features they enable. Depending on project and background, your work may also extend into how camera hardware choices affect on-device computer vision and AI performance. You will own a well-scoped project end to end, from problem definition through analysis and a recommendation presented to the team. This is a 12-week internship.

Hardware Engineer Intern, Camera & Sensing Architecture Responsibilities:

• Develop and validate first-principles models of camera imaging performance (e.g., SNR across illumination, MTF/resolution, dynamic range, motion blur, depth of field) for candidate sensor and lens configurations.
• Run imaging and sensor-level trade studies (resolution vs. pixel size, rolling vs. global shutter, RGB vs. mono vs. IR, fixed-focus vs. AF, frame rate vs. power) and summarize results as clear, data-backed recommendations.
• Help define metrics and figures of merit that link feature KPIs (photo quality, text/OCR legibility, ML model accuracy, tracking robustness, latency) to camera HW specifications.
• Correlate performance models against sensor and module characterization data, identifying and explaining gaps between predicted and measured performance.
• Build reusable modeling and analysis tools, and document assumptions and methods so the architecture team can apply them to future products.
• Communicate findings, assumptions, and risks to architects, cross-functional partners, and team leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, an MS or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Coursework or research experience in one or more of: imaging systems, optics, image sensors, signal/image processing, or computational photography
• Experience with physics-based modeling, simulation, and data analysis in Python or MATLAB
• Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
• Intent to return to full-time degree program after completion of the internship

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of CMOS image sensor fundamentals (noise sources, quantum efficiency, full well, shutter types, HDR) and camera module components
• Familiarity with image quality metrics (MTF, SNR, dynamic range), ISP pipelines, or color science
• Experience training or evaluating computer vision / ML models, particularly their sensitivity to input image quality
• Research impact demonstrated through publications, a thesis, or projects in imaging, optics, sensors, or computational imaging
• Experience communicating technical results to both technical and non-technical audiences

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 [email protected].

$6,688/month to $11,880/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.