Optical Design Engineer

Location: Boulder, United States | 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 that believes the camera—and AR innovation—holds the greatest potential to redefine how people live, express themselves, and connect in the moment. From Snapchat's visual messaging to Lens Studio's AR creativity tools and Spectacles' groundbreaking AR glasses, we're pioneering hardware that overlays computing on the real world. Snap Lab, our world-class R&D hub, is pushing the boundaries of camera technology in next-generation Spectacles. Join our Optical Design Engineer role in the Spectacles team to craft ophthalmic components that enable immersive AR experiences, blending cutting-edge optics with Snap's creative, fun-loving culture. As an Optical Design Engineer, you'll design, prototype, and integrate custom ophthalmic optics from concept to production-ready prototypes, tackling challenges like vergence-accommodation mismatch and refractive error correction for AR eyewear. Leverage tools like Zemax or Code V to innovate lens designs, optical molding, and optomechanics, while collaborating hand-in-hand with our optical team to prove out new AR technologies. You'll develop metrology solutions, partner with vendors and Rx fulfillment centers to boost performance and yields, and own the roadmap for ophthalmic advancements that power Spectacles' camera-first AR displays. You'll thrive in Snap's dynamic environment by presenting to cross-functional partners—from Industrial Design to Vision Science—and traveling to suppliers to drive manufacturing excellence. Support root-cause analysis, reliability testing, and risk mitigation to ensure our hardware delights users worldwide. With 6+ years in optical systems and a passion for AR innovation, you'll contribute to products that empower authentic expression and real-time fun, all while embracing our 'default together' policy of 4+ days in-office collaboration.

What You'll Do

• Design, prototype and integrate custom ophthalmic components from concept to late-prototype stages for next-generation Spectacles
• Apply expertise in lens design, ophthalmics, optical molding, tolerancing, and optomechanics to solve vergence-accommodation mismatch and refractive error correction in AR eyewear
• Collaborate with the optical team to conceive and validate new AR eyewear technologies
• Design and utilize custom/off-the-shelf metrology to evaluate custom optical component performance
• Work with internal quality teams and vendors to establish incoming/outgoing inspection procedures
• Present to and collaborate with cross-functional teams including Optical, Mechanical, Product, Industrial Design, Vision Science, Global Supply Management, and Quality
• Partner with molders, sub-assembly manufacturers, and Rx fulfillment centers to enhance optical performance, yields, and failure analysis
• Support reliability team in stress-testing new technologies and mitigating risks
• Conduct root-cause analysis of optical issues in current and future Spectacles devices
• Travel to overseas suppliers to enable manufacturing, metrology, failure analysis, and on-time delivery
• Own the roadmap for ophthalmic components in AR eyewear, driving innovation in camera and display integration

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related field
• 6+ years of experience in design and development of optical products, consumer electronic displays and/or optical systems
• Deep experience in optical design and design tools such as Zemax or Code V
• Strong understanding of optical metrology and debug
• Hands-on experience bringing up, solving problems through root cause analysis
• Experience working and collaborating closely with external partners and suppliers
• Ability to identify and mitigate risk during new development and manufacturing

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or related field
• Experience with molded optics
• Experience with prescription optics, fulfillment centers, frame manufacturing, and glazing process
• Experience with optical sub-assemblies, including lamination and mechanical form, integrity, and reliability

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Optical design using Zemax or Code V
• Lens design and ophthalmic optics
• Optical molding and tolerancing
• Optomechanics integration
• Optical metrology and testing
• Root cause analysis and debugging
• Vendor and supplier collaboration
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Cross-functional communication and presentation
• Program management and documentation
• AR display systems knowledge
• Prototype development and integration
• Failure analysis and yield improvement
• Adaptability to ambiguous requirements
• Hands-on manufacturing process experience

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Competitive compensation packages with equity in the form of RSUs
• Flexible paid time off and wellness stipends
• Professional development opportunities and learning resources
• Onsite perks including meals, fitness facilities, and collaborative workspaces
• 401(k) matching and financial planning support

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.