Job Description
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.
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
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 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)
