Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Meta; Redmond; On-site; AUD 174,000 - 258,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Scientist with deep expertise in waveguide fabrication and process development to advance optical systems for AR devices. You will work at the intersection of nanofabrication, materials science, and optical engineering to shape the hardware behind Meta's AR glasses and displays, driving a long-term research roadmap.

You will develop techniques for diffraction gratings and light guides, pattern nanoscale features, characterize thin films, and collaborate

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with strong fabrication experience.
• Hands-on nanofabrication; e-beam lithography, optical steppers, and etching.
• Experience with thin-film deposition (sputtering, ALD, or evaporation).
• Proficiency with metrology tools like AFM and SEM.
• Proven ability to develop fabrication processes from development to qualification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize diffraction gratings and light guides on organic substrates.
• Pattern nanostructures using e-beam lithography and related tools.
• Develop and characterize etching processes for precision waveguides.
• Deposit thin films via sputtering, ALD, and e-beam evaporation.
• Perform metrology with AFM, SEM, optical profilometry, and spectroscopy.
• Collaborate with designers, materials scientists, and integration teams.
• Document SOPs and contribute to IP generation.
• Identify yield-limiting defects and process excursions.
• Support technology transfer to pilot-scale and high-volume manufacturing.

Skills

Nanofabrication techniques

Process development

Optical engineering

Fabrication troubleshooting

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field

Tools

E-beam lithography

Optical steppers

Dry/plasma etching

Sputtering

ALD

e-beam evaporation

AFM

SEM

Job description

Summary:

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Scientist, with experience in waveguide fabrication and process development, to advance optical systems research for next-generation augmented reality devices and advanced computing systems. In this role, you will work at the intersection of nanofabrication, materials science, and optical engineering — directly contributing to the hardware that will power Meta's AR glasses and displays. This is a fundamental research role driving a long-term research roadmap to establish the feasibility of breakthrough optical technologies for future product generations.

Required Skills:

Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities:

1. Develop and optimize techniques and processes for the fabrication of diffraction gratings and light guides on organic substrates

2. Perform nanostructure patterning using e-beam lithography, stepper lithography, and nanoimprint lithography techniques

3. Develop and characterize dry etch and wet etch processes for precision waveguide fabrication

4. Deposit dielectric thin films using sputtering, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and e-beam evaporation techniques

5. Perform metrology and characterization using AFM, SEM, optical profilometry, and spectroscopic methods

6. Collaborate with optical designers, materials scientists, and integration teams to translate design requirements into manufacturing processes

7. Document, develop standard operating procedures, and contribute to IP generation

8. Identify and troubleshoot yield-limiting defects and process excursions

9. Support technology transfer from R&D to pilot-scale and high-volume manufacturing

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field

2. Hands-on experience with nanofabrication techniques, including E-beam lithography, optical steppers, and dry/plasma etching

3. Experience with thin-film deposition methods (sputtering, ALD, or e-beam evaporation)

4. Proficiency with metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, and optical characterization systems

5. Demonstrated experience in developing and optimizing fabrication processes from development through qualification

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

1. 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience

2. Fundamental understanding of light-matter interaction, photonic nanostructures, and device physics

3. Knowledge of optical thin-film design and coating characterization

4. Experience scaling processes from R&D prototyping to pilot production

5. Background in AR/VR optics, holographic optical elements, surface-relief gratings, or photonic devices

6. Familiarity with organic/polymer substrates and their processing challenges (thermal budget, CTE mismatch, surface energy). Experience with nanoimprint lithography (NIL) or roll-to-roll patterning

7. Experience fabricating diffractive optical elements, waveguides, or photonic structures

Public Compensation:

$122,000/year to $181,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Industry:

Internet

Equal 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 [e-mail].