AR Engineer, Level 4

Location: Los Angeles, Canada

Department: Augmented Reality

Employment Type: Full time

About Snap Inc

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.

About the Role

Snap Inc. is a camera company revolutionizing how people live and communicate through innovative AR technologies. Our products—Snapchat, Lens Studio, and Spectacles AR glasses—empower Snapchatters to express themselves, live in the moment, and have fun together. The Lens Team is at the heart of this mission, creatively applying augmented reality to design and ship captivating Face Lenses, World Lenses, AR Games, Utilities, and more. As an AR Engineer, Level 4, on the Augmented Reality team, you'll join a dynamic group of designers, data scientists, product managers, and engineers building interactive Snapchat experiences that leverage the power of the camera. In this role, you'll implement and optimize code solutions in Lens Studio to create high-performance, innovative AR experiences that feel magical on mobile cameras and Spectacles. You'll rapidly prototype new concepts, iterate with cross-functional feedback, and own the full development lifecycle from idea to launch. Collaborating closely with Design and Engineering, you'll focus on technical excellence, stability, and delightful camera-centered interactions that surprise and engage millions of users daily. We're seeking a passionate AR Engineer with expertise in real-time 3D engines and a track record of shipping consumer-facing AR or game products. If you thrive in a creative culture that values rapid innovation, bold experimentation, and fun, join us to shape the future of AR at Snap. Snap is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, with a 'Default Together' policy expecting 4+ days per week in office to foster collaboration. Competitive compensation, equity, comprehensive benefits, and accommodations for disabilities are provided.

What You'll Do

• Implement and optimize code solutions and architectures for interactive AR experiences using Lens Studio
• Bring conceptual designs to life with a focus on technical performance, innovation, and camera-centered experiences
• Rapidly create AR prototypes to explore new concepts and features, iterating based on feedback from cross-functional teams
• Own the technical development from prototype to product release
• Collaborate with Design and Engineering teams to create the most fun, surprising, and stable AR products
• Maintain clear and detailed documentation about new features for knowledge sharing
• Develop Face Lenses, World Lenses, AR Games, and Utilities that empower Snapchatters to express themselves
• Optimize AR experiences for Snapchat's camera platform and Spectacles AR glasses
• Experiment with cutting-edge AR technologies to push the boundaries of real-time camera interactions
• Contribute to Lens Studio's ecosystem by building innovative, performant AR content

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of post-Bachelor’s software development experience, or Master’s degree in a technical field + 2+ years of post-grad software development experience, or PhD in a relevant technical field
• Strong proficiency in one of these languages: Typescript, Javascript, C++, C#
• Experience in AR/VR or game development
• Ability to program and code interactive experiences
• Ability to work with digital content creation tools (2D, 3D, etc.)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Expertise in designing, prototyping, and programming with real-time 3D engines (Unity, Unreal, OpenFrameworks, Processing, WebGL/OpenGL, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong mathematical background (analytic geometry, linear algebra)
• Experience with real-time 3D engines (Unity, Unreal, OpenFrameworks, Processing, WebGL/OpenGL, etc.)
• Experience in development for AR/VR wearables
• Experience with 3D packages like Maya, 3ds Max, or Cinema4D
• Standout creative portfolio
• Proven track record of shipping premium consumer product experiences in games, advertising, or other related channels

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in Typescript, Javascript, C++, or C#
• Real-time 3D engine expertise (Unity, Unreal, etc.)
• AR/VR development
• Game development
• Digital content creation (2D/3D tools)
• Prototyping and iteration
• Technical performance optimization
• Camera-centered experience design
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Clear technical documentation
• Mathematical skills (linear algebra, geometry)
• Interactive experience programming
• Strong communication
• Innovation in AR technologies
• 3D modeling familiarity (Maya, etc.)
• Passion for fun, delightful AR content

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Compensation packages with equity in the form of RSUs
• Competitive base salary based on pay zones (Zone A: $157,000-$235,000; Zone B: $149,000-$223,000; Zone C: $133,000-$200,000)
• "Default Together" policy with 4+ days per week in office for dynamic collaboration
• Opportunities to share in Snap’s long-term success
• Support for disabilities or special needs with accommodations

Compensation

$157,000-$235,000 annually

This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.

"Default Together" Policy: At Snap Inc, we practice a "default together" approach and expect team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.