Principal Nanofabrication Engineer

Overview

Magic Leap is a pioneer in Augmented Reality (AR) optics, display systems, platforms, devices, services, prototyping and manufacturing capabilities. We are known for our unmatched optics stack and have developed ultra-lightweight wave guides and display systems that advance what is possible in AR. With more than a decade of experience in AR innovation, we have made groundbreaking advancements in text legibility, color fidelity and rich digital content visuals while continually expanding the field of view to create engaging, immersive AR experiences.

As a Principal Nanofabrication Research Engineer on our Eyepiece Development Team, you will drive the development and optimization of advanced nano‑fabrication processes, with a focus on nanoimprint lithography and multilayer patterning technologies. You will be working with an exceptional cross‑functional team to define and execute the process roadmap, leading efforts to enhance key optical performance metrics across next‑generation waveguide products.

Location:

Austin, TX – full on‑site presence required.

• Develop and optimize nanofabrication processes for nano‑imprint mold creation.
• Contribute to eyepiece fabrication process development to enhance key optical performance metrics (KPIs) such as efficiency, uniformity, and user/world ratio.
• Transfer developed processes from R&D to manufacturing, ensuring scalability and reproducibility.
• Collaborate closely with design, metrology, and cross‑functional teams to exchange feedback, troubleshoot challenges, and drive innovation.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement new fabrication tools and equipment to enable advanced process capabilities at Magic Leap.
• Perform metrology and characterization tasks, including SEM imaging and optical measurements.

• 10+ years of hands‑on experience in nanofabrication.
• 10+ years of experience working in an industrial or production environment, preferably in a clean room.
• Strong expertise in dry etching (RIE, ICP), ion beam milling/etching, and thin‑film deposition (sputtering, evaporation, PECVD, ALD).
• Proven experience in photolithography and/or electron‑beam lithography.
• Familiarity with nano‑imprint lithography is a plus.
• Familiarity with SEM, ellipsometry, and AFM is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated project management and leadership skills.
• Strong data analysis, organization, and documentation abilities. Familiarity with JMP, JIRA, Smartsheet or equivalent is a plus.
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills and a deep understanding of the underlying physics behind process issues.

• A strong background in optics or optical device fabrication.
• Experience with Python or other programming languages for data processing and automation.

All your information will be kept confidential according to Equal Employment Opportunities guidelines.

If you need an accommodation during the application, interviewing, or hiring process, you may request an accommodation by emailing Applica Magic Leap will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

US Base Salary Range: $200,000 - $220,000 USD