Software Engineer - On-Device & Backend Systems

Summary:Meta is building the next generation of intelligent devices powered by custom silicon and deeply integrated cloud services. As a Staff Software Engineer on this team, you will own the end-to-end software architecture that spans Meta's custom SoC platform, on-device AOSP-based software, and the backend services that extend device capabilities into the cloud. You will drive the most complex cross-boundary technical decisions-bridging low-level hardware abstraction, Android platform software, and scalable backend infrastructure-to deliver seamless, high-performance experiences. This role demands deep expertise across embedded/on-device systems and distributed backend services, and the ability to lead major initiatives that require tight coordination between silicon, device software, and cloud teams.Required Skills:Software Engineer - On-Device & Backend Systems Responsibilities:Define and drive the end-to-end system architecture spanning on-device software (AOSP, Meta custom SoC interfaces) and Meta's backend services, ensuring coherent data flow, low latency, and reliability across the full stackLead the design and implementation of platform software that leverages Meta's custom SoC capabilities-including hardware accelerators, DSPs, and specialized compute units-through AOSP system services, HALs, and native frameworksOwn resolution of the most complex, ambiguous technical problems that cross the device-cloud boundary: diagnosing issues that manifest across silicon bring-up, OS layers, network transport, and backend service interactionsArchitect backend services that support on-device workloads-including model serving, telemetry pipelines, OTA update infrastructure, device management, and cloud offload-optimizing for scale, availability, and cost efficiencyDrive performance optimization across the full stack: silicon-aware scheduling on-device, efficient serialization and transport protocols, and backend service latency/throughput at scalePartner with silicon/hardware teams to define software requirements for Meta's custom SoC, influence silicon roadmaps, and ensure platform software fully exploits custom hardware capabilitiesEstablish system-level metrics, monitoring, and reliability frameworks that provide end-to-end observability from on-device health through backend service SLAsCollaborate cross-functionally with silicon, firmware, OS platform, product, ML/AI, and infrastructure teams to align technical strategies, unblock dependencies, and drive org-level outcomesCommunicate architecture decisions, integration strategies, and technical trade-offs to stakeholders at all levels-driving alignment across device and backend organizationsLeverage AI tools and workflows to accelerate development, improve system analysis, and scale your impact across the organizationMinimum Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience10+ years of experience in systems software engineering, with significant depth in both on-device/embedded platforms and backend/distributed systemsExperience leading complex initiatives that span hardware-software-cloud boundaries with demonstrated org-level impactDeep understanding of Android platform internals (AOSP): system services, HAL interfaces, native frameworks, and build/integration workflowsStrong proficiency in C/C++ for on-device systems programming and Java/Kotlin or Python/C++ for backend service developmentExperience working with custom silicon or SoC platforms-including hardware bring-up, driver integration, or hardware abstraction layer developmentExperience designing and operating large-scale backend services (e.g., RPC frameworks, data pipelines, model serving, distributed storage)Track record of solving highly complex technical problems that span multiple systems, teams, and organizational boundariesExperience with system-level debugging across the full stack: hardware traces, OS-level profiling, network diagnostics, and backend service observabilityExperience shipping consumer devices or embedded systems at scale alongside their supporting cloud infrastructurePreferred Qualifications:Preferred Qualifications:Experience with large-scale backend infrastructure (RPC frameworks, distributed data stores, real-time analytics) or equivalent service frameworksFamiliarity with custom silicon workflows: firmware/software co-design, DSP programming, hardware accelerator integration, or silicon validationExperience with on-device ML inference, model optimization (quantization, compilation for custom accelerators), and cloud-to-device model deployment pipelinesProficiency in power-aware software design: balancing on-device compute vs. cloud offload for battery life, thermal, and latency constraintsExperience with OTA systems, device fleet management, or A/B experimentation frameworks for hardware productsBackground in real-time or low-latency systems: sensor fusion, streaming media, or interactive workloads that span device and cloudExperience with wearable devices, AR/VR systems, mobile platforms, or IoT at scaleTrack record of leading large-scale projects from silicon bring-up through mass production and live service operationExperience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize engineering workflows and drive measurable efficiency gainsExperience defining APIs and contracts between on-device and backend systems that remain stable across hardware generationsPublic Compensation:$183,997/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefitsIndustry: InternetEqual 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.