As a Hardware Systems Engineer Intern at Meta in Menlo Park, California, you will dive into the exciting world of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) hardware development. This internship role is pivotal in advancing Meta's mission to build the next generation of immersive experiences, where your contributions will directly impact prototype innovations that shape the future of social connectivity and human interaction through technology. Working on cutting-edge projects, you will help integrate complex hardware systems that power AR/VR devices, gaining invaluable experience in a fast-paced environment that drives industry-leading advancements. Your day-to-day tasks will revolve around hands-on hardware integration for AR/VR prototypes, collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams including firmware developers, mechanical engineers, and systems architects. You will assist in assembling and testing prototype hardware assemblies, troubleshooting integration issues, and optimizing system performance for real-world applications. Weekly responsibilities include participating in design reviews, conducting hardware validation tests using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters, and documenting findings in detailed reports. Monthly deliverables may involve contributing to subsystem integration milestones, such as sensor fusion for tracking systems or power management optimizations, while measuring success through metrics like system reliability rates above 95% and prototype build turnaround times under two weeks. Expect frequent collaboration with senior mentors who provide guidance on best practices, as well as interactions with product and research teams to align hardware solutions with user experience goals. This role offers exposure to full lifecycle development, from initial prototyping to iterative improvements based on test data. To qualify for this internship, you must be currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with at least junior standing and an expected graduation date within the next 12-18 months. Prior coursework or projects in embedded systems, digital design, or signal processing is essential, along with hands-on experience with hardware tools like soldering stations, PCB design software such as Altium, and programming microcontrollers in C/C++. Familiarity with AR/VR hardware challenges, including low-latency integration and thermal management, is highly valued. No prior professional experience is required, but demonstrated passion through personal projects, hackathons, or university labs involving hardware prototyping will set you apart. Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to learn quickly in a dynamic setting are key. Success in this role demands a blend of technical prowess and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in hardware description languages like Verilog or VHDL, experience with I2C/SPI protocols, and tools like MATLAB for simulations are crucial technical competencies. You should also excel in analytical thinking to debug complex systems, attention to detail for precise assembly work, and effective communication to articulate technical issues during team stand-ups. Adaptability to rapid iteration cycles and a collaborative mindset for working in multidisciplinary teams will help you thrive in Meta's innovative culture. Curiosity about emerging technologies in AR/VR will fuel your growth. Meta is a global leader in social technology, committed to bringing people closer together through innovative platforms and hardware like Quest VR headsets. Our hardware team in Menlo Park operates in a collaborative, open-office environment that fosters creativity and bold ideas, with flat hierarchies encouraging interns to contribute meaningfully from day one. The culture emphasizes work-life balance, continuous learning, and a sense of purpose, making it a unique place where engineers push boundaries in consumer electronics and metaverse development. This internship offers competitive compensation, though specific salary details are not specified at this time, reflecting market rates for top tech talent in the Bay Area. Interns enjoy comprehensive benefits including health insurance coverage, paid time off, and relocation support if needed. Additional perks include access to state-of-the-art labs, free meals, wellness programs, and transportation stipends. Opportunities for stock grants and performance bonuses may also be available based on program duration and contributions. This internship paves the way for full-time roles at Meta upon successful completion, with many interns transitioning into hardware engineering positions. Professional development includes mentorship programs, technical training sessions, and networking events. To apply, visit Meta's careers portal, submit your resume, transcript, and a cover letter highlighting relevant projects, and prepare for technical interviews focused on hardware concepts.