Diffractive Display Engineer (Design & Optimisation)

Snap Inc.; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 57,355 - 71,508; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Comprehensive medical coverage

Emotional and mental health support programs

Job summary

Snap Inc. is looking for a Nanophotonics Engineer/Scientist to join their team in Abingdon, England. The role involves using in-house optical design tools to develop new augmented reality (AR) displays and collaborating with engineering teams.

The ideal candidate should possess a PhD in a relevant field, along with experience in optics and programming. A competitive salary range of $77,000–$96,000 is offered, alongside potential equity options and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience with diffractive optics modelling tools.
• Knowledge of optical ray-tracing algorithms.
• Familiarity with AI coding tools.
• Background in optical metrology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop new displays for augmented reality using optical design tools.
• Support optical design software development.
• Create AR waveguide designs for production.
• Collaborate with engineering teams for new designs.

Skills

Physics-based design and optimisation

Python programming

Scripting for simulation tools

Organisational skills for R&D

Adaptability in fast-paced environments

Communication skills

Collaborative attitude

Education

PhD in Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering

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’s three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles.

Spectacles is home to our hardware products with a world‑class research & development team. We are focused on pushing the boundaries of what a camera can be, specifically overlaying computing on the real world. Next Generation Spectacles are our first pair of glasses that bring augmented reality to life.

We’re looking for a Nanophotonics Engineer/Scientist to join the Spectacles team at Snap Inc.

What you’ll do

• Use in‑house optical design tools and techniques for development of new displays for augmented reality (AR)
• Support the development of novel optical design software to enable efficient analysis of advanced optical systems
• Contribute to the development of new AR waveguide designs suitable for high volume production at low cost
• Develop new optical structures and architectures to enhance the performance of our AR waveguides
• Incorporate data from physical measurements of nanostructures into models (from SEM, AFM, etc.)
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to bring up new AR waveguide designs for manufacture

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in physics‑based design and optimisation
• Experience using Python for computation and optimisation
• Experience using scripting to interface with in‑house or commercial simulation tools
• Good organisation and planning skills suitable for high‑risk R&D projects
• Adaptable to deliverables on short timescales
• Strong verbal/written communication and reasoning skills
• Flexible and collaborative attitude appropriate for a dynamic R&D environment

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in mathematics, physics or engineering or 4+ years of relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of physical/diffractive optics modelling (FDTD, RCWA/FMM, etc.)
• Working knowledge of optical ray‑tracing algorithms
• Working knowledge of polarisation analysis, including Jones calculus and related techniques
• Experience contributing to collaborative codebases using Git.
• Experience with using AI coding tools efficiently
• Background knowledge in optics including imaging, illumination, geometric optics, radiometry and photometry
• Background knowledge in optical metrology techniques
• Background knowledge in the manufacture of diffractive or nanophotonics optical devices such as nanophotonics mastering, replication by nanoimprint lithography or photolithography, and optical coatings

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range of $77,000–$96,000, commensurate with your qualifications and experience, and the level of this role. This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs. Our compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain top talent in the industry.

Accommodations

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Workplace & Culture

Default Together: 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. We practice a “default together” approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

Equality & Diversity Statement

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.

Benefits

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.