×
Register Here to Apply for Jobs or Post Jobs. X

Research Scientist Intern, Diffractive Optics; PhD

Job in Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County, California, 94087, USA
Listing for: Meta
Apprenticeship/Internship position
Listed on 2026-03-11
Job specializations:
  • Engineering
    Research Scientist
  • Research/Development
    Research Scientist
Salary/Wage Range or Industry Benchmark: 7313 - 12134 USD Monthly USD 7313.00 12134.00 MONTH
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Position: Research Scientist Intern, Diffractive Optics (PhD)

Summary

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 seeking a Research Scientist Intern with a background in Nanophotonics to join our research team. The intern will contribute to developing the next generation of AR/VR displays by focusing on advanced simulations and experimental optics prototyping. This is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and contribute to research with direct application to future product development. Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.

Required

Skills

Research Scientist Intern, Diffractive Optics (PhD) Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners, including communicating research plans, progress, and results effectively.
  • Contribute to product research or development, and present findings that can be applied to future Meta products.
  • Develop next generation AR displays or components with an emphasis on advanced simulations, and working toward experimental optics prototyping with the team to prove new concepts and understand the factors that impact them.
  • Collaborate with the larger Meta Reality Labs Products team to explore novel solution spaces for AR devices.
  • Explore the application of at least one of the following to AR displays: wave optics, polarization optics, diffraction optics, interference phenomenon, metasurfaces.
  • Minimum Qualifications
  • Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a PhD in the field of Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a relevant technical field.
  • Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.
  • 2+ years of experience in at least one of the following areas: nanophotonics, diffractive optics, wave optics, computational optics or optical system prototyping.
  • Proficiency with at least one programming language (e.g., C++, MATLAB, Python, etc.).
  • Intent to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship/co‑op.
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.
  • 2+ years of experience with optical simulation methods such as FDFD, FDTD, FEM, RCWA, FMM, etc.
  • 2+ years of experience using photonic modeling software such as Lumerical, COMSOL, CST, or other custom codebase.
  • 2+ years of experience developing or implementing various algorithms for optimization of optical devices, including heuristic algorithms, adjoint variable gradient based methods, inverse design, or neural networks.
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by first-authored publications in leading journal families such as Nature, Science, Physical Review, Optica, ACS, SPIE, IEEE, or at conferences such as CLEO, SPIE Photonics West, FiO+LS, or similar as well as grants, fellowships, patents, etc.
  • Public Compensation

    $7,313/month to $12,134/month + benefits

    Industry

    Internet

    Equal Opportunity

    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

    #J-18808-Ljbffr
    To View & Apply for jobs on this site that accept applications from your location or country, tap the button below to make a Search.
    (If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).
     
     
     
    Search for further Jobs Here:
    (Try combinations for better Results! Or enter less keywords for broader Results)
    Location
    Increase/decrease your Search Radius (miles)

    Job Posting Language
    Employment Category
    Education (minimum level)
    Filters
    Education Level
    Experience Level (years)
    Posted in last:
    Salary