Optical Engineer, Waveguide Experiments

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 operates Snapchat , a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world, and Specs Inc. , a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to making computing more human, in addition to Bitmoji , Saturn, and other digital services.

Specs Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Snap Inc. dedicated to making computing more human. The company develops Specs, advanced eyewear that seamlessly integrates digital experiences into the physical world.

Specs feature see-through lenses that place digital objects directly into three-dimensional space, powered by Snap OS, a proprietary, context-aware operating system designed for natural interaction with your hands and voice.

Specs Inc. also provides Lens Studio, a full suite of advanced developer tools that powers immersive augmented reality experiences across Specs, Snapchat, and other services.

We're looking for an Optical Engineer to join our Waveguide Experiments team for a 12-month fixed-term contract at Snap Inc!

What you’ll do:

Develop new experimental methods to deepen understanding of AR waveguide physics

Build and apply models of optical and physical phenomena to interpret lab experiments

Design, build, and automate optical setups

Run experimental analysis of wave guides using both proprietary and commercial tools

Perform root cause analysis of failures of waveguide displays

Perform experiments on diffractive nanostructures to make improvements in correlation between measurements and predictions and help drive improvements in optical performance

Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on waveguide bring-up, debugging, and performance improvement

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Strong theoretical foundation in optics and diffraction theory (including physical and geometric optics, imaging, radiometry, photometry, colorimetry, statistics etc.)Solid understanding of polarization theory and experimental techniques

Experience with interferometry and phase retrieval methods

Strong scripting and data analysis skills in Python (or similar)
Proficient in error analysis of experiments

Experience working in an optical lab environment, hands-on experience setting up and aligning optical systems (lasers, fiber optics, detectors, cameras)
Skilled in equipment automation and control

Experience of nanoscale metrology for evaluating diffractive structures (SEM, AFM)
Strong planning and organisational skills for high-risk R&D projects

Adaptable to rapid changes in project scope or timelines

Clear communicator with strong reasoning and collaboration skills

Flexible and team-oriented with a proactive, problem-solving mindset appropriate for a dynamic R&D environment

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related Engineering field.
3+ years of hands-on research experience in optical metrology

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics or a related field

Theoretical and experimental research experience in diffractive AR wave guides

An understanding or background in the manufacture of diffractive or nanophotonics optical devices such as nanophotonics mastering, replication by nanoimprint lithography or photolithography, and optical coatings

Experience with optical system design tools such as Zemax, CodeV, FRED, ASAP Experience of using wave optical modelling tools such as Lumerical, RSoft, COMSOL, MEEPWe offer a competitive salary range £93,000 - £116,000 which is commensurate with your qualifications and experience and the level of this role.

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