Research Scientist Intern
Switchable Optical Devices, PhD
Posted on 9/4/2025

Meta
Compensation Overview
$42.19 - $70.00/hr
Redmond, WA, USA
In Person
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, Switchable Optical Devices (PhD) Responsibilities
- Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners including communicating research plans, progress, and results.
- Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development.
- Develop next generation AR/VR displays with an emphasis on advanced modeling and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand the perceptual impact of those concepts.
- Collaborate with larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solution space for AR/VR devices.
- Explore the application of at least one of the following: active photonics, switchable nano-optics, liquid crystal devices, meta-optics, distributed Bragg reflectors, porous materials and nanotechnology, tunable optical devices, polarization optics, diffractive optics. This position will have an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to test new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts.
Minimum Qualifications
- Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Computational Science or relevant technical field
- Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
- 2+ years experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: Switchable reflectors/gratings, 2D Metastructures, Electro-Optic active materials, diffractive optics, liquid crystal physics
- Familiarity with Python, Matlab or equivalent programming languages
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working on active photonic circuit based / metastructures near eye display research
- 2+ years experience with design and fabrication of novel optical devices and optical characterization/measurements (i.e., demonstrated ability to construct proof-of-concept systems and to evaluate performance)
- 2+ years hands on experience with one of the following optical simulation algorithms: RCWA, FDTD, FEM, adjoint method, or similar
- Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment
- Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications in top-tier journals or at leading conferences such as CLEO, SPIE, and APS
- Intent to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op
For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information.
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.
$7,313/month to $12,134/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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, fill out the Accommodations request form.

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