Display Systems Architect

Location: Plymouth, United States

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 that believes AR represents the next evolution in how people capture, share, and experience the world. Our products—Snapchat, Lens Studio, and Spectacles—empower authentic self-expression, real-time fun, and meaningful connections through innovative camera and AR technologies. The Spectacles team is at the forefront of this revolution, developing fifth-generation standalone AR glasses powered by Snap OS that blend digital creativity with the physical world. Join us as a Display Systems Architect in the Spectacles department to architect groundbreaking displays that make playing, learning, and working in AR more immersive and accessible. In this leadership role, you’ll spearhead a dynamic engineering team to conceive, design, and productionize next-generation display systems tailored for Snap’s AR glasses. From evaluating architectural trade-offs in performance, power, and manufacturability to authoring detailed specs, you’ll ensure our displays deliver stunning visuals integrated with advanced camera systems. Leverage your deep semiconductor expertise in CMOS/MEMS processes, yield optimization, and micro-display characterization to push the boundaries of micro-optics and digital imaging pathways, enabling seamless AR experiences on Snapchat and beyond. We’re seeking a visionary with 10+ years in semiconductor leadership, a passion for AR innovation, and the ability to thrive in Snap’s creative, collaborative culture. You’ll manage diverse teams, drive reliability in high-volume production, and collaborate across optics, hardware, and AR groups to realize Spectacles’ potential. At Snap, we practice a “default together” policy, expecting 4+ days in-office to fuel our dynamic innovation. Snap is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, offering robust benefits like comprehensive health coverage, parental leave, and equity in our mission to improve lives through camera-powered AR.

What You'll Do

• Lead a multi-faceted engineering team to design and define the architecture of next-generation display systems for Spectacles from concept to production
• Evaluate and provide recommendations for trade-offs between architecture, performance, manufacturability, power efficiency, and cost
• Author and maintain comprehensive architecture and design specifications for AR displays
• Drive innovation in micro-optical systems integrated with camera technology for real-world AR experiences
• Collaborate with AR, optics, and hardware teams to optimize display performance in Snap's Spectacles
• Oversee semiconductor process engineering across CMOS and MEMS fabrication for display components
• Manage product engineering for high-density microelectronics in AR glasses
• Implement yield improvement strategies and reliability testing for production-scale displays
• Characterize micro displays to ensure seamless integration with Snapchat's visual messaging and Lens Studio AR platform
• Mentor and manage a diverse engineering team within Snap's creative, fast-paced culture
• Partner with supply chain and manufacturing teams to scale display production for consumer AR glasses
• Contribute to Snap's mission of empowering authentic expression through cutting-edge camera and AR innovation

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related field
• A minimum of ten years experience working in the semiconductor industry leading cross-functional teams
• Direct experience in semiconductor manufacturing covering process engineering across CMOS and/or MEMS fabrication techniques
• Product engineering experience with complex high-density microelectronics
• Expertise in yield improvement and management techniques
• Implementation of recognized reliability standard tests
• Micro display characterisation experience
• Strong foundation in basic electronics, micro-optical systems, and digital image data pathways in AR systems

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or master’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related field
• 15+ years experience working in the semiconductor industry leading cross-functional teams
• Experience with AR/VR display technologies and camera-integrated systems
• Proven track record in next-generation display innovation for wearable devices
• Knowledge of Snap OS and Spectacles AR ecosystem
• Background in high-volume consumer electronics manufacturing

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Semiconductor process engineering (CMOS/MEMS)
• Product engineering for high-density microelectronics
• Yield improvement and management
• Reliability testing and standards implementation
• Micro display characterisation
• Micro-optical systems design
• Digital image data pathways in AR/VR systems
• Basic electronics and circuitry
• Team leadership and management in semiconductor settings
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Trade-off analysis (performance vs. manufacturability)
• Architecture specification authoring
• AR glasses hardware integration
• Camera technology optimization
• High-volume manufacturing scaling
• Problem-solving in fast-paced environments
• Mentoring diverse engineering teams
• Innovation in consumer-facing display tech

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Competitive compensation packages with equity to share in Snap’s long-term success
• Flexible paid time off and wellness stipends
• Onsite fitness centers and catered meals at Snap offices
• Professional development opportunities and learning stipends
• 401(k) matching and financial planning resources
• Commuter benefits and employee discounts on Snap products

"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.