Optical Systems R&D Scientist for AR/VR Hardware

Meta; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 217,000; Full time

Job summary

Reality Labs, a division of Meta, is seeking an Optical Scientist to advance AR/VR optical systems, including waveguides and display optics. You will translate photonic concepts into scalable manufacturing processes for next-generation wearables.

PhD in a related field and hands-on nanofabrication experience are required; familiarity with thin-film deposition, metrology, and translational R&D to production is expected. The role is based in Redmond, WA with cutting-edge labs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with nanofabrication techniques, including E-beam lithography, optical steppers, and dry/plasma etching.
• Experience with thin-film deposition methods (sputtering, ALD, or e-beam evaporation).
• Proficiency with metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, and optical characterization systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and optimizing fabrication processes from development through qualification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize techniques and processes for the fabrication of diffraction gratings and light guides on organic substrates
• Perform nanostructure patterning using e-beam lithography, stepper lithography, and nanoimprint lithography techniques
• Develop and characterize dry etch and wet etch processes for precision waveguide fabrication
• Deposit dielectric thin films using sputtering, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and e-beam evaporation techniques
• Perform metrology and characterization using AFM, SEM, optical profilometry, and spectroscopic methods
• Collaborate with optical designers, materials scientists, and integration teams to translate design requirements into manufacturing processes
• Document, develop standard operating procedures, and contribute to IP generation
• Identify and troubleshoot yield-limiting defects and process excursions
• Support technology transfer from R&D to pilot-scale and high-volume manufacturing

Skills

Nanofabrication techniques

Fabrication process development

Metrology with AFM/SEM

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

Reality Labs, a division of Meta, is seeking an Optical Scientist to advance AR/VR optical systems, including waveguides and display optics. You will translate photonic concepts into scalable manufacturing processes for next-generation wearables.

PhD in a related field and hands-on nanofabrication experience are required; familiarity with thin-film deposition, metrology, and translational R&D to production is expected. The role is based in Redmond, WA with cutting-edge labs.