Optical Engineer

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. The Company’s three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles.

The Spectacles team is pushing the boundaries of technology to bring people closer together in the real world. Our fifth-generation Spectacles, powered by Snap OS, showcase how standalone, see-through AR glasses make playing, learning, and working better together.

We’re looking for an Optical Engineer/Scientist to join the Spectacles team! 

The successful candidate will join our talented and multidisciplinary team to contribute to the creation of the next generation of the Spectacles product. 

You will:

The successful candidate will join our talented and multidisciplinary team to contribute to the creation of the next generation of the Spectacles product. You will be responsible for:

• Exploring future nanophotonics technologies for our Spectacles products

• Developing new models and computational tools for the design of diffractive waveguide based near-eye displays

• Developing novel nanostructures and diffraction grating architectures for diffractive waveguide displays

• Exploring the potential of new material systems to create opportunities to improve the optical quality and manufacturability of these displays

• Creating functioning prototypes

• Providing support to other teams to inform decisions on manufacturing methods, materials choices and product design

• Collaboratively working to create step changes in capability and performance for our Spectacles products
   

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Good understanding of optical theory including Fourier and ray optics as they relate to the human visual system

• Expertise in diffractive optics modelling techniques (FDTD,RCWA/FMM, etc)

• Proficiency in optical simulation and design software e.g. Zemax, COMSOL, Lumerical 

• Strong background in scientific computing using Python, MATLAB, etc. 

• Self motivated, inventive mindset

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Ability to collaborate with other engineers and cross-functional partners

• Experience of practical optical experiments

• Track record of delivering research projects with significant risk

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Near-eye Displays or related field

• 6+ years experience, inclusive of PhD, working in a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with diffractive waveguide near-eye display design

• Understanding of metasurface simulation and design

• Experience with optical experiment design and setup

We offer a competitive salary range £93,000 - £116,000  which is commensurate with your qualifications and experience and the level of this role. This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs. Our compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain top talent in the industry. 

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don’t be shy and provide us some information.

"Default Together" Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a “default together” approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week. 

At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.

Our Benefits: Snap Inc. is its own community, so we’ve got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programs, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap’s long-term success!