Nanophotonics Engineer

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 will transform how people connect, create, and experience the world. Our Spectacles team is at the forefront of this revolution, developing fifth-generation standalone AR glasses powered by Snap OS that blend digital creativity with real-world interactions. Snapchat's billions of daily Snaps and Lenses fuel our mission to empower authentic expression through innovative hardware. Join us as a Nanophotonics Engineer on the Spectacles team, where you'll pioneer next-gen micro-displays to deliver stunning visuals in lightweight, see-through AR eyewear, enhancing everything from playful AR games to immersive learning experiences. In this role, you'll dive deep into the electro-optical heart of Spectacles, assessing display performance, designing demo platforms, and driving yield improvements to meet the high standards of Snap's AR ecosystem. You'll collaborate with optics, hardware, and software teams to integrate nanophotonic innovations with Snapchat's camera-first ethos, ensuring displays power seamless, low-latency AR overlays. From prototyping waveguide optics to automating tests with Python and LabView, your work will directly impact how millions share moments through Spectacles. We're seeking passionate engineers who thrive in Snap's creative, fast-paced culture—where 'default together' means 4+ days a week in-office collaborating on boundary-pushing tech. With a diverse team driving AR innovation, Snap offers equal opportunity employment, comprehensive benefits like paid parental leave and mental health support, and a chance to shape the future of everyday AR. If you're excited by nanophotonics in consumer AR and camera tech, apply to bring Spectacles to the next level!

What You'll Do

• Contribute to the development of advanced micro-displays for Snap's next-generation Spectacles AR glasses
• Assess electro-optical performance of displays against stringent system requirements for AR experiences
• Design and build self-contained demonstration platforms to showcase display innovations
• Support yield improvement activities through data collection and analysis across various process stages
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop production test systems for high-volume display manufacturing
• Optimize nanophotonic components to enhance light efficiency and field-of-view in Spectacles
• Prototype and iterate on display architectures integrating with Snap OS for seamless AR interactions
• Analyze display failure modes and propose solutions to improve reliability in real-world camera and AR use cases
• Work closely with AR optics and hardware teams to align display tech with Snapchat's creative Lens ecosystem
• Document test results and contribute to IP development for Snap's AR innovation pipeline
• Participate in rapid prototyping cycles to push boundaries of see-through AR displays

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related field
• A minimum of two years of hands-on experience working in a technology-based environment
• Demonstrated proficiency in operating a variety of parametric test equipment, particularly in the electro-optical domain
• Experience with the semiconductor industry
• Ability to write software using Python
• Experience creating automated characterisation tests with NI LabView
• Experience with PCB design and schematic capture

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or master’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related field
• Experience working in display development
• Hands-on experience with micro-display technologies for AR applications
• Background in nanophotonics or waveguide optics
• Prior work on AR/VR hardware systems

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in electro-optical testing and parametric equipment
• Python programming for automation and data analysis
• NI LabView for automated characterization tests
• PCB design and schematic capture
• Semiconductor fabrication and process knowledge
• Nanophotonics and micro-display expertise
• Data collection and statistical analysis for yield optimization
• Cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced environments
• Problem-solving in demanding AR hardware challenges
• Enthusiasm for AR innovation and camera technology
• Prototyping and demonstration platform development
• Understanding of AR system requirements like FOV and efficiency
• Attention to detail in performance validation
• Adaptability to iterative design cycles
• Strong communication for team and stakeholder updates

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 perks including meals, fitness facilities, and creative collaboration spaces
• Professional development opportunities in AR and camera technologies
• Inclusive community events fostering Snap's creative culture

"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.