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 a Nanophotonics Engineer/Scientist to join the Spectacles team at Snap Inc. !
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Use in-house optical design tools and techniques for development of new displays for augmented reality (AR)
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Support the development of novel optical design software to enable efficient analysis of advanced optical systems
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Contribute to the development of new AR waveguide designs suitable for high volume production at low cost
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Develop new optical structures and architectures to enhance the performance of our AR waveguides
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Incorporate data from physical measurements of nanostructures into models (from SEM, AFM etc)
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Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams bring up new AR waveguide designs for manufacture
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
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Experience in physics based design and optimisation
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Experience using python for computation and optimisation
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Experience using scripting to interface with in-house or commercial simulation tools
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Good organisation and planning skills suitable for high risk R&D projects
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Adaptable to deliverables on short timescales
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Strong verbal / written communication and reasoning skills
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Flexible and collaborative attitude appropriate for a dynamic R&D environment
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PhD in mathematics, physics or engineering or 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Working knowledge of physical/diffractive optics modelling (FDTD, RCWA/FMM etc)
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Working knowledge of optical raytracing algorithms
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Working knowledge of polarisation analysis, including Jones calculus and related techniques
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Experience contributing to collaborative codebases using Git.
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Experience with using AI coding tools efficiently
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Background knowledge in optics including imaging, illumination, geometric optics, radiometry and photometry
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Background knowledge in optical metrology techniques
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Background knowledge in the manufacture of diffractive or nanophotonics optical devices such as nanophotonics mastering, replication by nanoimprint lithography or photolithography, and optical coatings
We offer a competitive salary range 77,000 - 96,000 which is commensurate with your qualifications and experience and the level of this role. This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs. Our compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain top talent in the industry.
If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don’t be shy and provide us some information.
“Default Together” Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a “default together” approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.
At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.
Our Benefits: Snap Inc. is its own community, so we’ve got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programs, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap’s long-term success!
[##### 10 Most Innovative AR & VR Co. 2025
Why Snap and others are among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in augmented and virtual reality for 2025.](https://www.fastcompany.com/91269074/augmented-virtual-reality-most-innovative-companies-2025)
[##### 100 Best Places to Work
We’re honored to be included in Built In’s Best Places to Work list! Learn more about what it’s like to work at Snap.](https://builtin.com/awards/los-angeles/2025/best-places-to-work#snap-inc)
Our commitment to belonging
We believe in hiring the most talented team members and creating an environment where everyone belongs](https://diversity.snap.com/?lang=en-US)
Our mission is to contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, and live in the moment…](https://citizen.snap.com/?lang=en-US)
We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms](https://careers.snap.com/benefits)
[##### 10 Most Innovative AR & VR Co. 2025
Why Snap and others are among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in augmented and virtual reality for 2025.](https://www.fastcompany.com/91269074/augmented-virtual-reality-most-innovative-companies-2025)
[##### 100 Best Places to Work
We’re honored to be included in Built In’s Best Places to Work list! Learn more about what it’s like to work at Snap.](https://builtin.com/awards/los-angeles/2025/best-places-to-work#snap-inc)
Our commitment to belonging
We believe in hiring the most talented team members and creating an environment where everyone belongs](https://diversity.snap.com/?lang=en-US)
Our mission is to contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, and live in the moment…](https://citizen.snap.com/?lang=en-US)
We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms](https://careers.snap.com/benefits)
[##### 10 Most Innovative AR & VR Co. 2025
Why Snap and others are among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in augmented and virtual reality for 2025.](https://www.fastcompany.com/91269074/augmented-virtual-reality-most-innovative-companies-2025)
[##### 100 Best Places to Work
We’re honored to be included in Built In’s Best Places to Work list! Learn more about what it’s like to work at Snap.](https://builtin.com/awards/los-angeles/2025/best-places-to-work#snap-inc)
Our commitment to belonging
We believe in hiring the most talented team members and creating an environment where everyone belongs](https://diversity.snap.com/?lang=en-US)
Our mission is to contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, and live in the moment…](https://citizen.snap.com/?lang=en-US)
We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms](https://careers.snap.com/benefits)