Optical Scientist: Computational Optics

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 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: Computational Optics 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 degree or equivalent experience in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• General knowledge of 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with diffractive optics, holography, or computational optics.
• Knowledge of one or more optical modeling tools (e.g., 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 (e.g., 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.

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.

$116,000/year to $168,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Please note the national salary range listed in the job posting reflects the new hire salary range across levels and U.S. locations that would be applicable to the position. Final salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s final level and final location.