Lead Optical Engineer
Summary Join Meta Reality Labs and help define the next generation of Wearables and Mixed Reality experiences. Our Display, Optics, Camera, Depth and Sensors team is pioneering advanced optical systems that seamlessly merge physical and digital worlds, bringing reality through cutting‑edge wearable technology. In this team we work on developing breakthrough solutions for see-through and immersive systems, designing comprehensive test frameworks, characterization protocols, and metrology solutions that ensure our displays and optical components meet the highest performance standards. Our teams seamlessly transition between strategic system‑level thinking and precision‑focused implementation, maturing our architectures from early concepts to production‑ready designs. As a core team member, you’ll explore uncharted territories for next‑generation wearable devices and you will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams spanning cameras, sensors, depth perception, optics, and displays, translating visions into tangible engineering solutions. Required Skills Lead Optical Engineer Responsibilities • Lead cross‑functional teams in the design, development, and implementation of cutting‑edge optical solutions for new optics architectures, utilizing novel materials and processes • Identify, incubate, and productize optical technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the field of wearable optics • Specify key performance metrics, test methods, and test requirements for optical components and systems • Develop and maintain technical roadmaps • Interface with stakeholders and leadership to influence product roadmaps • Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activity • Manage budgets, resources, and collaborations with global vendors Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline • 8+ years of industry experience with a proven track record of full product development cycle in consumer electronics or similar related field • Experience and expertise in these areas or similar related technologies: optical design software, geometrical optics, wave optics, and polarization optics, optical materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes, imaging optics design and manufacturing, display optics, optical sensing, optical system integration and testing • Technical leadership, communication, and project management skills • Problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills Preferred Qualifications • Advanced degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline • 10+ years of industry experience with 5+ years in a technical leadership or engineering management role • Experiences in Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, and Augmented Reality industry • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements) • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews) • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies Public Compensation $173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits Industry Internet Equal Opportunity Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E‑Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment. Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [email protected].