Product Design Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, Canada | 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 AR technology will transform how people connect in the real world. Our Spectacles team is pioneering fifth-generation standalone AR glasses powered by Snap OS, blending seamless camera integration with see-through displays to make playing, learning, and working more immersive and fun. We're seeking a Product Design Engineer to join this creative team in pushing the boundaries of AR hardware innovation, where your designs will empower users to express themselves and live in the moment through cutting-edge camera and AR experiences. In this role, you'll design and prototype exciting new components from initial concept through mass production, collaborating with industrial designers, operations, and engineering teams to bring Spectacles to life. You'll conduct failure analysis, support onsite builds at global suppliers, and create precise CAD models to ensure manufacturability and performance. By experimenting with materials and technologies tailored for compact AR wearables, you'll contribute to products that enhance real-world interactions via Snapchat's visual messaging and Lens Studio AR platform. The ideal candidate thrives in Snap's dynamic, creative culture, with strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering and a passion for consumer electronics. You'll present at design reviews, travel up to 20% internationally, and work 4+ days a week in office under our 'Default Together' policy to foster innovation. Join us to shape the future of AR glasses and camera tech at Snap Inc, an equal opportunity employer committed to diverse teams building products that redefine communication.

What You'll Do

• Design, prototype, and analyze innovative AR components and products from concept to mass production for Spectacles
• Collaborate closely with industrial design, operations, and cross-functional engineering teams to advance Snap's AR vision
• Conduct failure analysis and implement corrective actions to enhance design reliability in camera and AR hardware
• Support development builds onsite at external component suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D documentation for high-volume production of Spectacles
• Develop and conduct technical experiments to select optimal designs, materials, and technologies for AR innovation
• Participate in and present work at technical design reviews to drive product excellence
• Integrate camera technology and AR features into mechanical designs to empower real-world connectivity
• Analyze tolerances and perform structural analysis to ensure robust performance in standalone AR glasses
• Contribute to Snap OS-powered Spectacles, enhancing play, learning, and work through see-through AR

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 1+ years of relevant industry experience in product design or mechanical engineering
• Strong engineering fundamentals with knowledge of materials and manufacturing methods
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and 2D documentation
• Technical background in product design, mechanical architecture, tolerance analysis, design for manufacturing, and structural analysis
• Ability to travel internationally up to 20%
• Experience supporting development builds at external suppliers and contract manufacturers

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Experience with consumer electronics, particularly AR glasses or camera technology
• Experience with mechanical design of plastic and metal components, PCBs, and FPCs
• Experience with overseas manufacturing
• Proficiency with NX CAD software

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 3D CAD modeling (e.g., NX)
• 2D technical documentation
• Materials science and selection
• Manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC, assembly)
• Design for manufacturing (DFM)
• Tolerance stack-up analysis
• Finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity
• Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
• Prototyping and rapid iteration
• Mechanical design for consumer electronics
• PCB and FPC integration
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Presentation skills for technical reviews
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving in fast-paced environments
• Adaptability to AR hardware innovation

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
• 401(k) matching and financial wellness programs
• Flexible time off and wellness stipends
• Onsite perks including meals, fitness facilities, and creative spaces
• Professional development opportunities in AR and camera technology

Compensation

$98,000-$146,000 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.