Research Scientist Intern, Waveguide Design (PhD) at Meta – Redmond, WA

Meta Reality Labs brings together a world-class 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 (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.Research Scientist Intern, Waveguide 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: illumination, wave optics, polarization optics, geometrical optics, waveguide design, stray light/ghost analysis of optical systems.
• This position will have an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts. Specifically, optical design and modeling of waveguides to meet system requirements, and prototyping through cross-collaboration with fabrication experts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, 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 experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++, or Mathematica).
• 2+ years experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: wave optics, polarization optics, diffraction optics, or geometrical optics, metasurface, computational EM, emphasizing modeling and/or prototyping.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.
• 2+ years experience with optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Virtual Lab, Code V, LightTools, FRED, Lumerical, or similar.
• 2+ years experience with experimental optics and conducting laboratory work (i.e., demonstrated ability to construct proof-of-concept systems and to evaluate performance).
• 2+ years of experience in system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of bench-top optical components.
• 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.

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. LocationsAbout 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 committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations) in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to

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. US$7,313/month to US$11,333/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.