Research Scientist Intern, Photonic Integrated Circuits/Nanophotonics (PhD) at Meta in Redmond, Washington

Job Description:

Meta Reality Labs brings together a world-class team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of virtual and augmented reality, which together will become as universal and essential as smartphones and personal computers are today. And just as personal computers have done over the past 45 years, AR and VR will ultimately change everything about how we work, play, and connect. We are developing all the technologies needed to enable breakthrough AR glasses and VR headsets, including optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interface, haptic interaction, eye/hand/face/body tracking, perception science, and true telepresence. Some of those will advance much faster than others, but they all need to happen to enable AR and VR that are so compelling that they become an integral part of our lives.Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.

Research Scientist Intern, Photonic Integrated Circuits/Nanophotonics (PhD) Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners, communicating research plans, progress, and results.


• Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development.


• Develop a subsystem for the next generation of AR/VR displays, with an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping that leverages photonic integrated circuits and nano-optics.


• Collaborate with the larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solutions for AR/VR devices.


• Explore the application of novel photonic devices such as metastructures, photonic integrated circuits, and diffractive and refractive nanostructures, in conjunction with wave optics, polarization optics, and geometrical optics.


• Design novel photonic devices within a larger system that incorporates polarization optics and geometrical optics.


• This position will emphasize advanced simulations, design, and prototyping to prove new concepts and assess the perceptual impact of those concepts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, or a relevant technical field.


• Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.


• 2+ years of experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: integrated optics, photonic integrated circuits, nanophotonics.


• 2+ years of experience in wave optics, polarization optics, or geometrical optics, with an emphasis on modeling and prototyping.


• 2+ years of experience with optical design programs such as Lumerical, FIMMWAVE/FIMMPROP, MEEP, COMSOL, or similar.


• 2+ years of experience with Python and MATLAB, including experience using the PyTorch library.


• 2+ years of experience with experimental optics and conducting laboratory work (i.e., demonstrated ability to construct proof-of-concept systems and to evaluate performance).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Intent to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship or co-op.


• Experience working and communicating cross-functionally in a team environment.


• Proven track record of achieving significant results, as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, and first-authored publications in leading journals such as Nature Photonics, Optica, Optics Letters, and Optics Express, or at conferences such as CLEO.

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today-beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.



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 accommodations-ext@fb.com.


$7,313/month to $11,333/month + benefits


Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta. Apply Now