The Physical Modeling team's mission is to address problems at the intersection of physical sciences and computer science. We work closely with a variety of research and engineering teams including those focused on data centers and sustainability, Examples of projects the team could work on range from efficient cooling of data centers to developing simultaneous localization and mapping algorithms. Meta is seeking a Research Scientist Intern to join our Physical Modeling team to support the Data Center Controls Cooling & Climate Modeling program. This is a cutting-edge initiative dedicated to optimizing the planning, construction, and operation of Meta’s large-scale data centers. The program’s mission is to: - Develop scalable, modular component modeling to enable the adoption of new technologies, designs, and control systems within data centers. - Enhance resource utilization, focusing on efficient use of water and power to support sustainability and operational excellence. - Support climate and disaster planning by generating climate projections and resiliency strategies for long-term infrastructure reliability. - Promote safety through advanced modeling of heat indices and mechanical safety systems. This program plays a critical role in helping Meta achieve its organizational objectives, such as rapidly expanding data center capacity, accelerating availability through a building-blocks approach, and supporting sustainability goals. The program collaborates across the full data center lifecycle—planning, building, and operating—to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Research Scientist, Physical Modeling Intern (PhD) Responsibilities

Develop the right Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (EE & ME) modeling tools to support Data center design, engineering and build out

Work closely with engineering teams and research scientists to solve physical modeling problems

Implement Scalable algorithms enabling the Data Center digital models

Identify and prototype algorithms and interpret the results of prototype experiments

Apply expert coding skills to implement computation in partnership with other engineers and teams

Minimum Qualifications

Must be currently enrolled in a full-time PhD program in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, Systems Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and similar Modeling and numerical simulation

Fundamental knowledge in physical systems, signal processing, numerical computational algorithms and data science or machine learning

Comfortable in manipulating and analyzing complex, high-volume, high-dimensionality data from noisy sources

Software development skills in Python for research applications

Experience in problem solving and communicating complex quantitative analysis in a clear, precise, and actionable manner

Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment

Preferred Qualifications

Intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship

Experience in thermal simulation or Mechanical system controls (in the sense of industrial air cooling)

Experience in Computer Vision or Machine Learning and working with geospatial data

Experience in Materials Science or Civil Engineering or experience with concrete and cement

Experience in Geosciences, modeling weather or fluid dynamics

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information.

About Meta

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.

$7,650/month to $12,134/month + 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, fill out the Accommodations request form.

Research Scientist – Physical Modeling Intern

PhD

Meta

Compensation Overview