Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD)

3 Months ago • 2 Years + • Research & Development

Job Summary

Job Description

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Scientist Intern to contribute to the development of next generation AR/VR displays. The intern will collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners to explore novel solutions for AR/VR devices. The role will involve advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand their perceptual impact. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of optical science, optical engineering, or a related field, and experience with optical design programs and scientific programming languages.
Must have:
  • Ph.D. in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Opto-Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computational Imaging or relevant technical field.
  • 2+ years experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: physical optics, geometry optics, aberration theory, optical system prototyping.
  • 2+ years experience with optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, FRED, or similar.
  • 2+ years experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica).
Good to have:
  • Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences.
  • 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.

Job Details

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, Optical System 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: geometrical optics, diffraction optics, polarization optics, illumination, optical system design.
  • This position will have an emphasis of advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Opto-Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computational Imaging or relevant technical field.
  • Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.
  • 2+ years experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: physical optics, geometry optics, aberration theory, optical system prototyping.
  • 2+ years experience with optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, FRED, or similar.
  • 2+ years experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica).
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.
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences.
  • 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 for additional information.
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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.

$7,313/month to $11,293/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 at Meta.


Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action
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, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice .

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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About The Company

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.


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