Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD)

Meta; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta Reality Labs offers a Research Scientist Intern position in Optical System Design (PhD). This 12–24 week program focuses on AR/VR displays, advanced simulations, and prototyping to test perceptual impacts, with collaboration across the Reality Labs team.

Applicants should be pursuing a PhD in Optical Science/Engineering or related fields, with 2+ years in optical research, experience with Zemax/Code V/LightTools, and proficiency in MATLAB or Python.

Qualifications

• PhD in Optical Science/Engineering or related field required.
• 2+ years of optical research experience in physical/geometric optics or prototyping.
• 2+ years with Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools or similar.
• 2+ years programming in MATLAB or Python.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners to share plans, progress, and results.
• Publish research results and contribute to product development.
• Develop AR/VR displays with simulations and prototyping to test concepts.
• Explore novel solution spaces for AR/VR devices with the team.
• Apply geometrical optics, diffraction optics, polarization optics, or illumination principles.
• Focus on advanced simulations and prototyping to validate concepts.

Skills

Optical research

Optical design software

Programming: MATLAB/Python

Education

PhD in Optical Science/Engineering

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Code V

LightTools

FRED

Job description

Meta Reality Labs brings together a team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of virtual and augmented reality, which together will become as universal and essential as smartphones and personal computers are today. And just as personal computers have done over the past 45 years, AR and VR will ultimately change everything about how we work, play, and connect. We are developing all the technologies needed to enable breakthrough AR glasses and VR headsets, including optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interface, haptic interaction, eye/hand/face/body tracking, perception science, and true telepresence. Some of those will advance much faster than others, but they all need to happen to enable AR and VR that are so compelling that they become an integral part of our lives. Our internships are twelve to twenty-four weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.

Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD) Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners, including communicating research plans, progress, and results
• Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development
• Develop next-generation AR/VR displays with an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand the perceptual impact of those concepts
• Collaborate with larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solution space for AR/VR devices
• Explore the application of at least one of the following: geometrical optics, diffraction optics, polarization optics, illumination, optical system design
• This position will have an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Opto-Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computational Imaging or relevant technical field
• Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
• 2+ years of experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: physical optics, geometric optics, aberration theory, optical system prototyping
• 2+ years of experience with optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, FRED, or similar
• 2+ years of experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica)

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences
• Intent to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op
• 2+ years of experience in system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of benchtop optical components
• Experience working and communicating cross-functionally in a team environment
• Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences such as JOSA, SPIE, OSA, IEEE, CLEO, or similar

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.

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$7,313/month to $12,667/month + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.