Research Scientist, Optical Systems (PhD)

At Meta's Reality Labs Research, our goal is to make world-class consumer virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences. Come work alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers to create the technology that makes VR and AR pervasive and universal. Join the adventure of a lifetime as we make science fiction real and change the world. We are currently seeking innovative scientists with experience designing, modeling, and prototyping advanced optical systems for near-to-eye display applications. This is a full-time position and requires an advanced degree in optical engineering, physics, or similar, and a strong background in optical system design and innovation. Successful candidates must be comfortable working in a dynamic cross-functional team.

Research Scientist, Optical Systems (PhD) Responsibilities

• Develop novel concepts and technologies for next generation Near-Eye Displays (NEDs) and sensors.


• Explore the co-design space between display, optics, and sensors.


• Implement proof-of-concept hardware prototypes that redefine the state-of-the-art in AR/MR.


• Engage cross-functionally with researchers and engineers to explore innovative concepts that advance the entire pipeline (hardware, software, integration, infrastructure, and applications), and create compelling future AR/MR experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta.


• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD Degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computational Imaging, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta.


• Knowledge of optics including imaging, illumination, radiometry and colorimetry, physical and geometrical optics, and polarization.


• Experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica).


• Experience working with system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of bench-top optical components.


• Experience with optics technologies with one or more of the following: physical optics, computational optics, holography, display optics, imaging, illumination, stray light analysis, radiometry, and photometry.


• Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with diffractive optics, holography, or computational optics.


• Experience with display and sensing components, such as near-eye displays and sensors.


• Experience developing complex systems involving optics, mechanics, and automation.


• Knowledge of one or more optical modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools, FRED, or Lumerical).


• Proven track record of achieving results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at workshops or conferences (e.g., OSA, SPIE, IEEE, SIGGRAPH, COSI, and SID).


• Experience developing prototypes and collaborating in a team environment across a diverse set of disciplines including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, and Optics.