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Research Scientist Intern, Waveguide Design (PhD)

Meta

Office

Redmond, WA

Internship

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, Waveguide 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 displays with an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand the perceptual impact of those concepts.
  • Collaborate with the larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solution space for AR devices.
  • Develop and apply computational models for the physics of waveguide combiners for AR displays.
  • Explore the application of at least one of the following: anisotropic media, nano-optics, nano-photonics, polarization optics, inverse design. This position will have an emphasis on advanced simulations to explore new concepts and their perceptual impact.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied physics, Computational Imaging, or a relevant technical field
  • 2+ years experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: computational optics, diffractive optics, polarization optics, interferometry, nano-optics, nano-photonics, inverse design, metasurfaces, holography, laser physics, near-to-eye displays
  • 2+ years experience with custom optics simulations with, for example, Python, Matlab
  • Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
Preferred Qualifications
  • 2+ years experience in diffractive optics, emphasizing modeling
  • 2+ years experience with optical design programs such as Lumerical, RSOFT, MEEP, ZEMAX, Light Tools etc
  • 2+ years experience with experimental optics and conducting laboratory work (i.e., demonstrated ability to construct proof-of-concept systems and to evaluate performance)
  • 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 journals and conferences
  • Intent to return to a degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op
For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. 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 $12,134/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 benefits at Meta.


Equal Employment Opportunity Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity 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 here. Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, fill out the Accommodations request form.

Research Scientist Intern, Waveguide Design (PhD)

Office

Redmond, WA

Internship

September 10, 2025

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Meta

Meta.com

Meta