Optical Engineer, Optimisation
Optical Engineer, Optimisation

Optical Engineer, Optimisation

Abingdon Full-Time 55000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Spectacles team to design cutting-edge AR displays and enhance waveguide performance.
  • Company: Snap Inc. is a tech innovator focused on camera-based communication and augmented reality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, equity options, paid parental leave, and mental health support.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team pushing the boundaries of AR technology in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Masters or PhD in Maths, Physics, or Engineering with relevant industry experience required.
  • Other info: EU work permit needed; in-office presence encouraged for teamwork.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 72000 £ per year.

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Optical Engineer, Optimisation, Abingdon

Client: Snap Inc.

Location: Abingdon, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference:

a8e2dae6ce67

Job Views:

2

Posted:

12.07.2025

Expiry Date:

26.08.2025

Job Description:

Snap Inc. is a technology company focused on camera-based innovations to improve communication and human progress. Our core products include a visual messaging app, an augmented reality platform, and AR glasses called Spectacles, which are designed to push the boundaries of camera technology, especially in overlaying computing on the real world. We are seeking an Optical Engineer/Scientist to join our Spectacles team.

What you’ll do:

  • Use in-house optical design tools for developing new AR displays.
  • Support the development of optical design software for analyzing advanced systems.
  • Contribute to designing AR waveguides for high volume, low-cost production.
  • Develop optical structures to enhance AR waveguide performance.
  • Incorporate data from physical measurements into models.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to bring waveguide designs to manufacturing.
  • Create detailed design models and documentation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Experience in physics-based optical design and optimization.
  • Strong Python skills (scipy, scikit-optimize, jax).
  • Experience scripting with simulation tools (Lumerical, MEEP).
  • Good organization and planning skills for high-risk R&D projects.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Flexible, team-oriented attitude.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Masters or PhD in Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.
  • Relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with codebases using Git.
  • Knowledge of physical/diffractive optics modeling (FDTD, RCWA/FMM).
  • Knowledge of optical raytracing, polarization analysis, and related techniques.
  • Background in optics, imaging, illumination, and optical metrology.
  • Experience with manufacturing diffractive or nanophotonic devices.

We offer a competitive salary (£64,000 – £80,000), equity options, and comprehensive benefits including paid parental leave, medical coverage, and mental health support. We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. Our work policy encourages in-office presence 4+ days per week to foster collaboration.

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Optical Engineer, Optimisation employer: Snap Inc.

Snap Inc. is an exceptional employer for Optical Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment in Abingdon that fosters innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, equity options, and comprehensive benefits including paid parental leave and mental health support, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within the company. The culture prioritises teamwork and creativity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing camera technology and augmented reality.
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Contact Detail:

Snap Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Optical Engineer, Optimisation

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Snap Inc.'s products, especially their AR technologies like Spectacles. Understanding their current innovations and challenges will help you speak knowledgeably during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Snap Inc. on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and the specific expectations for the Optical Engineer position, which can be invaluable during your application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your Python skills, particularly with libraries like scipy and scikit-optimize. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools confidently can set you apart from other candidates who may not have the same level of expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with optical design and simulation tools like Lumerical and MEEP. Having specific examples ready will show that you not only meet the qualifications but also have practical experience that can benefit the team immediately.

We think you need these skills to ace Optical Engineer, Optimisation

Physics-based Optical Design
Optical Design Software Development
AR Waveguide Design
Optical Structure Development
Data Modelling from Physical Measurements
Collaboration with Engineering Teams
Detailed Design Modelling
Documentation Skills
Strong Python Skills (scipy, scikit-optimize, jax)
Scripting with Simulation Tools (Lumerical, MEEP)
Organisation and Planning for R&D Projects
Effective Communication Skills
Team-oriented Attitude
Experience with Git Codebases
Knowledge of Physical/Diffractive Optics Modeling (FDTD, RCWA/FMM)
Optical Raytracing and Polarization Analysis
Background in Optics, Imaging, Illumination, and Optical Metrology
Experience with Manufacturing Diffractive or Nanophotonic Devices

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in optical design and optimisation. Emphasise your skills in Python and any specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as Lumerical or MEEP.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background in physics or engineering to the role at Snap Inc. Discuss your passion for AR technology and how your previous projects align with their goals.

Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of past projects where you used optical design tools or collaborated on R&D projects. Highlight any experience with manufacturing diffractive devices or working with Git.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professional to make a great first impression.

How to prepare for a job interview at Snap Inc.

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

Make sure to highlight your experience with optical design tools and programming languages like Python. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've used these skills, especially in relation to AR displays or waveguides.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration Experience

Since the role involves working closely with engineering teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on high-risk R&D projects. Emphasise your team-oriented attitude and effective communication skills.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to tackle complex optical design challenges. Think about past experiences where you had to incorporate data from physical measurements into models and be ready to explain your thought process.

✨Research Snap Inc. and Their Products

Familiarise yourself with Snap Inc.'s core products, especially their AR technologies like Spectacles. Understanding their vision and how your role as an Optical Engineer fits into their goals will show your genuine interest in the company.

Optical Engineer, Optimisation
Snap Inc.
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