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Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Meta
Pasadena, CA$122k–$181kPosted Jul 26, 2026
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Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Meta Pasadena, CA

Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Meta Pasadena, CA 1 week ago 57 applicants

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Meta provided pay range

This range is provided by Meta. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$122,000.00/yr - $181,000.00/yr Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Scientist, with experience in waveguide fabrication and process development, to advance optical systems research for next-generation augmented reality devices and advanced computing systems. In this role, you will work at the intersection of nanofabrication, materials science, and optical engineering — directly contributing to the hardware that will power Meta's AR glasses and displays. This is a fundamental research role driving a long-term research roadmap to establish the feasibility of breakthrough optical technologies for future product generations.

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:

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

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 accommodations-ext@meta.com.

$122,000/year to $181,000/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.

  • Seniority level

    Not Applicable

  • Employment type

    Full-time

  • Job function

    Other

  • Industries

    Technology, Information and Internet

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