Research Scientist, Optical Systems

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 is seeking an Optical Scientist to drive the research and development of advanced optical systems for next-generation augmented and virtual reality devices. In this role, you will design and characterize optical components and systems — including waveguides, display optics, imaging systems, and light-field architectures — that are foundational to delivering high-fidelity visual experiences in lightweight AR/VR wearables. You will bridge fundamental optical science and applied engineering, translating novel photonic concepts into scalable solutions that shape the future of spatial computing and immersive human-computer interaction.
Research Scientist, Optical Systems 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

Minimum 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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
• 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
• Background in AR/VR optics, holographic optical elements, surface-relief gratings, or photonic devices
• Experience fabricating diffractive optical elements, waveguides, or photonic structures
• Fundamental understanding of light-matter interaction, photonic nanostructures, and device physics
• Experience scaling processes from R&D prototyping to pilot production
• Knowledge of optical thin-film design and coating characterization

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.

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].

$154,000/year to $217,000/year + bonus + equity + 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.