Softgoods Developer

Meta is building the next generation of wearable devices and consumer hardware products, and we are looking for a Softgoods Developer to help shape the physical experience of augmented and virtual reality headsets, smart glasses, and related wearable accessories. In this role, you will design, prototype and develop softgoods components and processes — including head straps, facial interfaces, carrying cases, and textile-based wearable elements — that balance comfort, durability, aesthetics, and manufacturability across Meta's hardware product lines.

Softgoods Developer Responsibilities

• Collaborate with ID generalist/specialist, human factors, and product design engineering teams to integrate softgoods solutions that meet ergonomic, aesthetic, and functional requirements
• Develop softgoods components and manufacturing processes for wearable devices, including head straps, facial interfaces, cushions, and textile-based accessories from concept through mass production
• Build mock-ups, prototypes, and sellable products quality samples in our state-of-the-art softgoods lab to communicate design intent, support UX research studies and for leadership reviews
• Create detailed design/process documentation, including pattern files, tooling, construction specifications, material callouts, and bill of materials for softgoods components
• Source and evaluate materials, including foams, fabrics, meshes, and hardware trims, in partnership with materials engineers and supply chain teams. Work with contract manufacturers and vendors to develop prototypes, review samples, and resolve construction or quality issues
• Define and maintain softgoods construction standards, tolerancing guidelines, and quality acceptance criteria
• Support design for manufacturability reviews, identifying opportunities to optimize patterns, seam construction, and assembly processes for scalable production
• Prioritize and drive softgoods development workstreams by tracking milestones, managing dependencies, and communicating progress to cross-functional stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing softgoods products such as wearables, consumer electronics accessories, sporting goods, or apparel with a focus on technical construction
• Experience operating softgoods manufacturing equipment, e.g., sewing machines, laser cutters, Zund, heat presses, etc
• Experience using 3D CAD tools (such as Rhino or SolidWorks) in conjunction with softgoods pattern development to support integrated hardware-softgoods design workflows for tooling design
• Experience building soft goods prototypes, creating production-ready soft goods documentation including pattern development, construction specifications, and material specifications
• Experience selecting and evaluating technical materials, including foams, textiles, meshes, and hardware components, for performance and durability requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying traditional sewing techniques, pattern making, and operating industrial sewing machines across multiple product types
• Knowledge of sustainable or recycled material options and experience in applying them within consumer product development constraints
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Experience with CNC/CAM software
• Experience developing soft goods components for head-worn devices such as VR or AR headsets, helmets, or medical wearables
• Experience in programming and operating embroidery machines
• Familiarity with human factors principles and ergonomic testing methodologies as applied to wearable product comfort
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)

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.

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: $144,000/year to $204,000/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.