Softgoods Developer
**Summary:**
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.
**Required Skills:**
Softgoods Developer Responsibilities:
1. Collaborate with ID generalist/specialist, human factors, and product design engineering teams to integrate softgoods solutions that meet ergonomic, aesthetic, and functional requirements
2. Develop softgoods components and manufacturing processes for wearable devices, including head straps, facial interfaces, cushions, and textile-based accessories from concept through mass production
3. 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
4. Create detailed design/process documentation, including pattern files, tooling, construction specifications, material callouts, and bill of materials for softgoods components
5. 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
6. Define and maintain softgoods construction standards, tolerancing guidelines, and quality acceptance criteria
7. Support design for manufacturability reviews, identifying opportunities to optimize patterns, seam construction, and assembly processes for scalable production
8. Prioritize and drive softgoods development workstreams by tracking milestones, managing dependencies, and communicating progress to cross-functional stakeholders
**Minimum Qualifications:**
Minimum Qualifications:
9. 5+ years of experience developing softgoods products such as wearables, consumer electronics accessories, sporting goods, or apparel with a focus on technical construction
10. Experience operating softgoods manufacturing equipment, e.g., sewing machines, laser cutters, Zund, heat presses, etc
11. 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
12. Experience building soft goods prototypes, creating production-ready soft goods documentation including pattern development, construction specifications, and material specifications
13. Experience selecting and evaluating technical materials, including foams, textiles, meshes, and hardware components, for performance and durability requirements
**Preferred Qualifications:**
Preferred Qualifications:
14. Experience applying traditional sewing techniques, pattern making, and operating industrial sewing machines across multiple product types
15. Knowledge of sustainable or recycled material options and experience in applying them within consumer product development constraints
16. Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
17. Experience with CNC/CAM software
18. Experience developing soft goods components for head-worn devices such as VR or AR headsets, helmets, or medical wearables
19. Experience in programming and operating embroidery machines
20. Familiarity with human factors principles and ergonomic testing methodologies as applied to wearable product comfort
21. Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
22. Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
**Public Compensation:**
$144,000/year to $204,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
**Industry:** Internet
**Equal Opportunity:**
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.