Nanophotonics Engineer in Abingdon

Snap Inc is a technology company that believes the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. The company operates Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances relationships with friends, family, and the world, and Specs Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to making computing more human. Specs develops advanced eyewear that seamlessly integrates digital experiences into the physical world, featuring see‑through lenses that place digital objects directly into three‑dimensional space, powered by Snap OS.

What you’ll do

• Use in‑house optical design tools and techniques for development of new displays for augmented reality (AR).
• Support the development of novel optical design software to enable efficient analysis of advanced optical systems.
• Contribute to the development of new AR waveguide designs suitable for high volume production at low cost.
• Develop new optical structures and architectures to enhance the performance of our AR waveguides.
• Incorporate data from physical measurements of nanostructures into models (from SEM, AFM etc).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams and bring up new AR waveguide designs for manufacture.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in physics based design and optimisation.
• Experience using Python for computation and optimisation.
• Experience using scripting to interface with in‑house or commercial simulation tools.
• Good organisation and planning skills suitable for high risk R&D projects.
• Adaptable to deliverables on short timescales.
• Strong verbal / written communication and reasoning skills.
• Flexible and collaborative attitude appropriate for a dynamic R&D environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in mathematics, physics or engineering or 4+ years of relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of physical / diffractive optics modelling (FDTD, RCWA/FMM etc).
• Working knowledge of optical raytracing algorithms.
• Working knowledge of polarisation analysis, including Jones calculus and related techniques.
• Experience contributing to collaborative codebases using Git.
• Experience with using AI coding tools efficiently.
• Background knowledge in optics including imaging, illumination, geometric optics, radiometry and photometry.
• Background knowledge in optical metrology techniques.
• Background knowledge in the manufacture of diffractive or nanophotonics optical devices such as nanophotonics mastering, replication by nanoimprint lithography or photolithography, and optical coatings.

Compensation & Equity

We offer a competitive salary range of $77,000 - $96,000, commensurate with your qualifications and experience, and the level of this role. This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.

Benefits

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.

Work Culture and Accommodation

Snap follows a “default together” policy that encourages collaboration in person. Team members are expected to work in an office 4+ days per week. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please provide us with the necessary information.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is 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.