Component Development Engineer

Location: Palo Alto, Canada

Department: Spectacles

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 believing that the lens + AR present the greatest opportunity to improve how people live and communicate. We empower expression, living in the moment, global learning, and fun through Snapchat, Lens Studio, and Spectacles—our standalone AR glasses powered by Snap OS. The Spectacles team pushes technological boundaries to connect people in the real world, enhancing play, learning, and work with see-through AR. Join us as a Component Development Engineer, Optical & AR Display Modules, to innovate camera-driven AR experiences that align with our creative, fast-moving culture. In this role, you'll manage development of cutting-edge optical and display components for next-gen Spectacles, collaborating with Snap's Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, Product, and Software teams to integrate innovations within tight product constraints. You'll develop contract manufacturers, define build plans for suppliers, and drive on-time delivery while investigating processes, leading failure analysis, and mitigating risks to ensure high-volume manufacturability. We're seeking engineers passionate about AR and camera tech who thrive in ambiguity, with hands-on factory experience and strong program management. At Snap, our diverse voices fuel innovation—help us redefine AR glasses to make Snapchat moments more immersive and real-world connections deeper. "Default Together" means 4+ office days weekly for dynamic collaboration. Snap is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring.

What You'll Do

• Manage component development for new AR display and optical technology initiatives in Spectacles
• Collaborate with internal Snap teams (Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, Product, Software) to integrate innovative camera and AR technologies into product constraints
• Develop contract manufacturers to demonstrate advanced manufacturing capabilities for next-gen Spectacles components
• Define build plans and schedules for subcomponent suppliers and module integrators, driving on-time delivery
• Investigate and develop component and manufacturing processes, assessing maturity levels and risks
• Lead failure analysis efforts for optical and display modules, integrating learnings into future AR design iterations
• Identify and mitigate risks during new technology development and high-volume manufacturing ramps
• Support the push of Spectacles' fifth-generation AR glasses powered by Snap OS for real-world play, learning, and collaboration
• Drive innovation in see-through AR displays to enhance Snapchat's camera-first experiences
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts to align component development with Snap's creative culture and rapid iteration cycles

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related field
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, process development, design, and/or program management of consumer electronic displays or optical modules
• Hands-on experience bringing up and solving problems at factories (FATP, Supplier, etc.)
• Experience working and collaborating closely with external partners and suppliers
• Strong program management skills including excellent communication, coordination, and documentation
• Ability to thrive with rapidly changing or ambiguous requirements
• Experience with display systems and/or optical modules, manufacturing and test processes

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or master’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related field
• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing, process development, design, and/or program management of consumer electronic displays or optical modules
• Experience with optical coatings, ACF processing, injection molding, semi processes

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Display systems and optical modules expertise
• Manufacturing and test processes for consumer electronics
• Hands-on factory problem-solving (FATP, suppliers)
• Cross-functional collaboration with internal teams
• External partner and supplier management
• Risk identification and mitigation in development
• Program management and scheduling
• Excellent communication and documentation
• Thriving in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
• Failure analysis and design iteration
• Knowledge of AR display integration
• Optical coatings and processing techniques
• Injection molding and semi processes
• Camera technology innovation
• AR hardware development for wearables

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Compensation packages with equity in the form of RSUs to share in Snap’s long-term success
• Competitive base salary based on pay zones (Zone A: $190,000-$284,000; Zone B: $181,000-$270,000; Zone C: $162,000-$241,000)
• "Default Together" policy fostering in-person collaboration 4+ days per week
• Opportunities to innovate in AR glasses and camera technology within a diverse, creative culture
• Support for disabilities or special needs with accommodations

Compensation

$190,000-$284,000 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.