Materials Engineer, Optical Substrate

Snapchat, Inc.; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Snap Inc. is seeking a Nanophotonics Engineer to develop, qualify, and scale optical materials and waveguide processes for next‑generation AR devices.

You will define requirements, plan experiments, fabricate samples, and benchmark results against simulations to drive robust product decisions. You will work across polymer, glass, and advanced materials, coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to translate data into reliable manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with deep fundamentals in optics and materials science.
• Proven track record in designing and executing optical experiments.
• Ability to link material properties to optical performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support material and substrate qualification across polymers, glass, lithium niobate, SiC, and other advanced optical materials.
• Define sample requirements, test plans, acceptance criteria, and data packages for internal initiatives.
• Perform optical measurements: transmission, reflectance, refractive index, absorption, haze, scattering, efficiency, and FOV.
• Establish measurement methods and evaluate metrology for surface roughness, flatness, etc.
• Plan experiments comparing optical simulations with measurements and close gaps via design revisions.
• Develop fabrication processes: wafer cleaning, nanoimprinting, thin-film coating, laser cutting, waveguide stacking.
• Coordinate with suppliers and cross-functional teams for qualification and data review.
• Analyze data and maintain documentation of experiments for stakeholders.

Skills

Optics fundamentals

Nanophotonics

Waveguide physics

Data analysis

Experimental design

Collaboration

Python

MATLAB

Materials characterization

Nanoimprinting

Thin-film deposition

Education

PhD in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related

7+ years of relevant industry experience

Tools

RCWA simulations

FEA

CAD/DXF

Optical metrology equipment

Python tooling

Job description

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.The Company operates Snapchat , a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world, and Specs Inc. , a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to making computing more human, in addition to Bitmoji , Saturn, and other digital services.Specs Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Snap Inc. dedicated to making computing more human. The company develops Specs, advanced eyewear that seamlessly integrates digital experiences into the physical world.Specs feature see-through lenses that place digital objects directly into three-dimensional space, powered by Snap OS, a proprietary, context-aware operating system designed for natural interaction with your hands and voice.Specs Inc. also provides Lens Studio, a full suite of advanced developer tools that powers immersive augmented reality experiences across Specs, Snapchat, and other services.We are looking for a Nanophotonics Engineer to develop, qualify, and scale optical materials, waveguide processes, and measurement methodologies for next-generation augmented reality devices.This role combines materials qualification with optical simulation, hands-on fabrication, metrology, mechanical and reliability testing, and technical engagement with suppliers. You will work across the complete development lifecycle: defining requirements, planning experiments, fabricating and measuring samples, benchmarking results against simulations, identifying root causes, and translating findings into robust product and manufacturing decisions.What you’ll do:Lead or support material and substrate qualification across polymers, glass, lithium niobate, silicon carbide, and other advanced optical materials;Define sample requirements, test plans, acceptance criteria, and data packages for internal and external technical initiatives;Perform and interpret optical measurements, including transmission, reflectance, refractive index, absorption, haze, scattering, efficiency, uniformity, luminance, MTF, and FOV;Establish measurement methods and evaluate metrology capability for surface roughness, flatness, scattering, visual inspection, and wafer-level optical characterization;Plan and execute experiments comparing optical simulations with measured performance, identifying discrepancies and closing the loop through design or process revisions;Develop and refine fabrication processes, including wafer cleaning, nanoimprinting, thin-film coating, laser cutting, blackening, and waveguide stacking;Develop reliability and mechanical test strategies covering flexural strength, impact and drop resistance, thermal exposure, UV weathering, humidity, dynamic fatigue, adhesion, and geometric stability;Translate optical and process requirements into supplier-ready drawings, wafer layouts, mask data, cutting instructions, and technical specifications;Collaborate directly with material, coating, wafer, and equipment suppliers to qualify capabilities, review technical data, manage samples, and resolve process challenges;Coordinate cross-functional builds and trials alongside materials, process, design, manufacturing, reliability, and optical-test engineering teams;Analyze experimental data, maintain rigorous technical documentation, and communicate key insights and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesStrong core fundamentals in optics, nanophotonics, mechanics, waveguide physics, or optical materials;Proven track record of designing and executing experiments in R&D or manufacturing environments;Ability to correlate optical performance with material properties, process parameters, structural geometry, and measurement uncertainty;Exceptional data analysis and problem-solving skills, with a proven capability to isolate design, process, material, and metrology variables;Practical expertise in optical measurement systems and experimental calibration techniques;Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and external partners;High attention to detail in sample handling, process control, data traceability, and technical documentation.Minimum QualificationsPhD in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or 7+ years of relevant industry experience;Hands-on experience with optical experimentation, materials characterization, photonic device development, or a related laboratory discipline;Experience analyzing complex experimental data and delivering technical recommendations;Ability to create structured test plans, document procedures, and maintain traceable experimental records;Comfortable working hands-on with laboratory equipment and technical test samples.Preferred QualificationsExperience with waveguide optics, diffractive optics, AR/VR displays, grating couplers, or nanophotonic devices;Experience with optical modeling, RCWA simulations, ray tracing, or correlation of simulations to physical measurements;Experience with nanoimprint lithography, spin coating, thin-film deposition, wafer processing, laser cutting, or optical assembly;Experience characterizing refractive index, transmission, reflectance, absorption, haze, scattering, surface roughness, or flatness;Experience with glass, SiC, polymers, resins, hardcoats, anti-reflection coatings, or other optical materials;Familiarity with optical metrology systems, spectrometers, interferometric or profilometry tools, or custom measurement equipment;Experience developing mechanical, environmental, or reliability tests for optical components;Proficiency in developing and executing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models for stress, deformation, thermal, mechanical, or reliability analysis of materials;Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools for data analysis and technical automation;Experience creating or reviewing CAD, DXF, wafer-layout, or supplier-manufacturing data;Experience working with external suppliers on technical requirements, sample plans, process development, and qualification.If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don’t be shy and provide us some information .\"Default Together\" Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a “default together” approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.Our Benefits : Snap Inc. is its own community, so we’ve got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programs, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap’s long-term success!