Meta

At Meta’s Reality Labs Research, our goal is to make world-class consumer virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences. Come work alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers to create the technology that makes VR and AR pervasive and universal. Join the adventure of a lifetime as we make science fiction real and change the world. We are currently seeking innovative scientists with experience designing, modeling, and prototyping advanced optical systems for near-to-eye display applications. This is a full-time position and requires an advanced degree in optical sciences, engineering, physics, or similar, and a strong background in optical system design and innovation. Successful candidates must be comfortable working in a dynamic cross-functional team.

Optical Scientist: Optical System Responsibilities

• Develop novel concepts and technologies for next generation Near-Eye Displays (NEDs) and sensors.
• Explore the co-design space between display, optics, and sensors.
• Implement proof-of-concept hardware prototypes that redefine the state-of-the-art in AR/MR.
• Engage cross-functionally with researchers and engineers to explore innovative concepts that advance the entire pipeline (hardware, software, integration, infrastructure and applications), and create compelling future AR/MR experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with optics including imaging, illumination, radiometry and colorimetry, physical and geometric optics, and polarization.
• Proven record in developing complex systems involving optics, mechanics, and automation.
• 3+ years of experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica).
• 3+ years of experience working with system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of bench-top optical components.
• 3+ years of experience with optics technologies with one or more of the following: physical optics, computational optics, holography, display optics, imaging, illumination, stray light analysis, radiometry and photometry.
• Experience working, communicating, and collaborating in a cross-functional environment with minimal direction.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with diffractive optics, holography, or computational optics.
• Knowledge of one or more optical modeling tools (eg. Zemax, Code V, LightTools, FRED, or Lumerical).
• Experience with display and sensing components, such as near-eye displays and sensors.
• Proven track record of achieving results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at workshops or conferences (eg. OSA, SPIE, IEEE, SIGGRAPH, COSI, and SID).
• Experience developing prototypes and collaborating in a team environment across a diverse set of disciplines including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, and Optics.

Locations

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.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations) in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to accommodations-ext@fb.com.

$177,000/year to $251,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual pay is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base salary, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.