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. The Company’s three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles.

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. The Company’s three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles.

Snap Lab is home to our hardware products with a world-class research & development team. We are focused on pushing the boundaries of what a camera can be, specifically overlaying computing on the real world. Next GenerationSpectacles are our first pair of glasses that bring augmented reality to life. 

We’re looking for an Optical Engineer/Scientist to join our waveguide design team at our Abingdon office.

What you’ll do:

• Apply in-house optical modelling tools and techniques for development of new displays for augmented reality (AR)

• Develop new AR waveguide designs suitable for high volume production at low cost

• Develop novel modelling software to enable efficient modelling of advanced optical systems

• Explore and design new optical structures to enhance the performance of our AR waveguides

• Correlate modelled with measured results to improve the fidelity and predictive power of models

• Incorporate data from physical measurements of nanostructures into models (from SEM, AFM etc) 

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams in initial optical waveguide bring-up, debug and optimisation

• Create detailed design models and documentation for production

• Drive the execution process from specification through to sign-off and delivery to production team

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expertise in physical/wave optical or diffractive optics modelling and verification techniques (FDTD, RCWA/FMM etc)

• Solid knowledge of polarisation analysis, including Jones calculus and related techniques

• Strong algorithm development, numerical optimisation and scripting skills (Python or MATLAB)

• Experience of optical metrology techniques to verify performance of diffractive structures

• Background knowledge of a broad range of optics including imaging, illumination, geometric optics, statistics, radiometry and photometry

• Good organisation and planning skills suitable for high risk R&D projects

• Adaptable to short timescales and deliverables

• Strong verbal / written communication and reasoning skills

• Flexible and team oriented, "can do" attitude appropriate for a dynamic R&D environment
   

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Masters/PhD in mathematics, physics or engineering

• 3+ years of relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of optical raytracing algorithms

• Experience with optical system design tools such as Zemax, CodeV, FRED, ASAP

• Experience of using wave optical modelling tools such as Lumerical, RSoft, COMSOL, MEEP

• A track record in developing customized modelling tools

• An understanding or background in the manufacture of diffractive or nanophotonics optical devices such as nanophotonics mastering, replication by nanoimprint lithography or photolithography, and optical coatings

We offer a competitive salary range £90,000 - £113,000  which is commensurate with your qualifications and experience and the level of this role. This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs. Our compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain top talent in the industry.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don’t be shy and provide us some information.

"Default Together" Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a “default together” approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week. 

At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.

Our Benefits: Snap Inc. is its own community, so we’ve got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programs, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap’s long-term success!