Optical Systems Engineer at Meta

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Optical Systems Engineer
Company: Meta
Location: Redmond, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Optical Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-08-01

🚀 Role Summary

Develop and analyze AR optical systems to enhance display and imaging technologies at Meta's Reality Labs.
Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize system integration and resolve display-related issues.
Drive detailed system-level analysis and contribute to design releases, prototyping, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on applied research and development of optical systems, requiring a strong background in optics, optical engineering, or a related field. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment that balances high-level thinking with meticulous attention to detail.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Display Calibration: Develop and implement calibration routines and methods to meet display performance requirements.
Test Planning & Execution: Create and execute comprehensive test plans to validate end-to-end display calibration, enabling product concept of operation.
Collaboration & Integration: Work closely with hardware, software, and design teams to resolve display-related issues and optimize system integration.
Measurement & Analysis: Operate and calibrate precision optical measurement equipment, analyze test data, and prepare detailed reports to identify trends and recommend improvements.
Documentation & Release: Contribute to the process of design releases, prototyping, and creation of RFQ, ERS documentation.
Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis of display defects or anomalies.
Industry Standards & Quality Criteria: Define display quality criteria and validation procedures aligned to product requirements and industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of optical systems, imaging, illumination, physical optics, stray light analysis, radiometry, and photometry. Candidates should be comfortable working with automated test systems and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Master's degree or equivalent experience in Optics, Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Sciences, or a related field.

Experience: At least 2 years of experience in applied research and/or product development of optics or photonic systems, with a focus on optical systems requiring imaging, illumination, physical optics, stray light analysis, radiometry, and photometry.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in measurement equipment used for evaluating display and optical characteristics.
Knowledge of AR display technologies (LCOS, MicroLED, Waveguides, etc.).
Solid understanding of color science, photometry, and applicable industry standards.
Experience with display calibration development and measurement automation for production environments.
Experience with image processing, calibration algorithms, statistical data analysis, and applying machine learning methods.
Experience in opto-mechanical design tools such as Ansys, Solidworks, or NX.

Preferred Skills:

Experience maturing optical systems from proof-of-concept to early low-volume prototype or production.
Experience working, communicating, and collaborating in a cross-functional environment.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

While this role does not explicitly require a web portfolio, candidates should be prepared to showcase their technical skills and accomplishments through relevant projects, publications, or presentations. Highlight your experience with optical systems, display calibration, and measurement automation to demonstrate your qualifications for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Although this role is not web development-specific, candidates should still be able to articulate their technical skills and accomplishments clearly and concisely, as they would in a web development interview. Focus on your ability to analyze and optimize optical systems, as well as your experience with measurement equipment and data analysis.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between $120,000 and $160,000 per year, based on regional market data for optical engineering roles in the Seattle area. This estimate takes into account the candidate's experience level and the company's size and industry.

Benefits: Meta offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and employee stock options. Additionally, Meta provides resources for professional development, such as training programs and conference attendance.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on regional market data and should be verified with the hiring organization. Benefits may vary based on the candidate's location and employment status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Meta operates in the technology industry, with a focus on social networking, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies. This role is part of the Reality Labs team, which is responsible for developing cutting-edge AR display and imaging systems.

Company Size: Meta is a large company with over 80,000 employees worldwide. This size provides opportunities for career growth and collaboration with diverse teams.

Founded: Meta was founded in 2004 and has since grown into one of the world's leading technology companies.

Team Structure: The Reality Labs team consists of cross-functional professionals, including optical engineers, hardware engineers, software engineers, and designers. The team works collaboratively to develop and integrate AR display and imaging systems.

Development Methodology: The team follows a structured development process, with a focus on agile methodologies, code reviews, testing, and quality assurance. Deployment strategies and CI/CD pipelines are used to ensure efficient and reliable product releases.

Company Website: Meta

📝 Enhancement Note: Meta's company culture values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic environment that encourages creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Optical Engineering Career Level: This role is at the mid-level of an optical engineering career path, focusing on applied research and development of optical systems. The candidate will be responsible for driving detailed system-level analysis and contributing to design releases, prototyping, and documentation.

Reporting Structure: The Optical Systems Engineer will report directly to the Optical Systems Engineering Manager and work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and design teams.

Technical Impact: The candidate will have a significant impact on the development and optimization of AR display and imaging systems, contributing to the overall success of Meta's Reality Labs team.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Candidates can expect to grow their technical skills in optical engineering, with a focus on AR display and imaging systems. They will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with industry experts.
Leadership Development: As the team continues to grow, there may be opportunities for candidates to take on leadership roles, mentoring junior team members and contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success in this role, candidates may have the opportunity to advance to senior optical engineering roles or transition into management positions within the Reality Labs team or other Meta divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for candidates interested in advancing their careers in optical engineering, with a focus on AR display and imaging systems. Candidates should be prepared to take on increasing responsibilities and contribute to the team's success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Meta's Redmond office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate innovation and cross-functional collaboration. The office features open workspaces, meeting rooms, and recreational areas to support a productive and enjoyable work environment.

Office Location(s): Redmond, WA

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage collaboration and communication among team members, with open workspaces and meeting rooms available for team discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Specialized Equipment: The workspace is equipped with specialized optical measurement equipment, such as spectroradiometers, colorimeters, and photometers, to support the candidate's work on AR display and imaging systems.
Cross-Functional Interaction: The workspace is shared with other Reality Labs teams, providing opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows. The work schedule may vary depending on project requirements and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative, dynamic environment that balances high-level thinking with meticulous attention to detail. The workspace is designed to support this balance, with open workspaces for collaboration and specialized equipment for optical measurement and analysis.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's background, experience, and fit for the role.
Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on the candidate's understanding of optical systems, display calibration, and measurement automation. This may include questions on imaging, illumination, physical optics, stray light analysis, radiometry, and photometry.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: A discussion with cross-functional team members to assess the candidate's ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the team's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Project Selection: Choose projects that demonstrate your experience with optical systems, display calibration, and measurement automation. Highlight your ability to analyze and optimize optical systems, as well as your experience with measurement equipment and data analysis.
Presentation Structure: Organize your portfolio around the project's goals, approach, and results. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Technical Depth: Provide detailed technical information about the optical systems you've worked with, the measurement equipment you've used, and the data analysis techniques you've employed.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Optical Systems: Brush up on your understanding of optical systems, including imaging, illumination, physical optics, stray light analysis, radiometry, and photometry. Familiarize yourself with AR display technologies and industry standards.
Measurement Equipment: Review the operation and calibration of precision optical measurement equipment, such as spectroradiometers, colorimeters, and photometers.
Data Analysis: Refresh your knowledge of statistical data analysis, image processing, and calibration algorithms. Be prepared to discuss your experience with machine learning methods and their application to optical systems.

ATS Keywords: Optical Engineering, Optical Systems, Display Calibration, Measurement Automation, Image Processing, Calibration Algorithms, Statistical Data Analysis, Machine Learning, AR Display Technologies, Industry Standards, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Technical Problem-Solving, Optical Measurement Equipment, Opto-Mechanical Design Tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills and their ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with optical systems, display calibration, and measurement automation in detail, as well as their ability to work with cross-functional teams to resolve display-related issues and optimize system integration.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

While this role is not web development-specific, candidates should be familiar with the following technologies and tools relevant to optical engineering and display calibration:

Optical Measurement Equipment:

Spectroradiometers
Colorimeters
Photometers

Opto-Mechanical Design Tools:

Ansys
Solidworks
NX

Data Analysis Tools:

MATLAB
Python
C++

Industry Standards:

CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage)
ITU (International Telecommunication Union)
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

📝 Enhancement Note: Although this role is not directly related to web development or web infrastructure, candidates should still be familiar with relevant technologies and tools, as they may be required to work with cross-functional teams that include web developers and infrastructure professionals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Optical Engineering Values:

Innovation: Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment that encourages creative problem-solving and continuous learning.
Collaboration: Candidates should be able to work effectively in a cross-functional team, contributing to the success of the overall project while supporting the growth and development of their teammates.
Attention to Detail: Candidates should be meticulous in their approach to optical system analysis and measurement, ensuring that their work meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
Adaptability: Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment that requires them to switch between high-level thinking and detailed analysis.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The Reality Labs team works closely with hardware, software, and design teams to develop and integrate AR display and imaging systems. Candidates should be comfortable collaborating with team members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Code Review Culture: The team follows a structured code review process to ensure the quality and consistency of their work. Candidates should be prepared to participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to their teammates.
Knowledge Sharing: The team encourages knowledge sharing and continuous learning. Candidates should be prepared to share their expertise with their teammates and learn from the experiences of others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Reality Labs team values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic environment that encourages creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Display Performance: Develop and implement calibration routines and methods to meet display performance requirements, ensuring that AR display and imaging systems meet the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
System Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve display-related issues and optimize system integration, ensuring that AR display and imaging systems work seamlessly with other components of the overall product.
Industry Standards: Stay informed about advancements in display metrology and validation techniques, ensuring that AR display and imaging systems meet relevant industry standards and best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Candidates can expect to grow their technical skills in optical engineering, with a focus on AR display and imaging systems. They will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with industry experts.
Conference Attendance: Meta provides resources for professional development, including conference attendance and training programs. Candidates should take advantage of these opportunities to expand their knowledge and network within the optical engineering community.
Technical Mentorship: Candidates may have the opportunity to mentor junior team members, providing guidance and support as they develop their technical skills and advance their careers in optical engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for candidates interested in advancing their careers in optical engineering, with a focus on AR display and imaging systems. Candidates should be prepared to take on increasing responsibilities and contribute to the team's success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Optical Systems: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of optical systems, including imaging, illumination, physical optics, stray light analysis, radiometry, and photometry. Candidates should be able to explain the principles behind these concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios.
Display Calibration: Candidates should be familiar with display calibration techniques and able to discuss their experience with display calibration development and measurement automation for production environments.
Measurement Equipment: Candidates should be comfortable operating and calibrating precision optical measurement equipment, such as spectroradiometers, colorimeters, and photometers. They should be able to discuss the strengths and limitations of these tools and their application to AR display and imaging systems.

Company & Culture Questions:

Team Dynamics: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience working in a cross-functional team environment and their ability to collaborate effectively with team members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Innovation: Candidates should be able to discuss their approach to creative problem-solving and their ability to work in a dynamic environment that encourages continuous learning and adaptation.
Industry Standards: Candidates should be familiar with relevant industry standards and able to discuss their experience working with these standards in the context of AR display and imaging systems.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Selection: Choose projects that demonstrate your experience with optical systems, display calibration, and measurement automation. Highlight your ability to analyze and optimize optical systems, as well as your experience with measurement equipment and data analysis.
Technical Depth: Provide detailed technical information about the optical systems you've worked with, the measurement equipment you've used, and the data analysis techniques you've employed. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Collaboration & Communication: Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment, contributing to the success of the overall project while supporting the growth and development of your teammates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills and their ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with optical systems, display calibration, and measurement automation in detail, as well as their ability to work with cross-functional teams to resolve display-related issues and optimize system integration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Optical Systems Engineer position at Meta:

Submit Your Application: Visit the Meta Careers website and search for the job listing using the job title and location. Click on the job listing and follow the instructions to submit your application.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience with optical systems, display calibration, and measurement automation. Emphasize your technical skills and accomplishments, as well as your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Choose projects that demonstrate your experience with optical systems, display calibration, and measurement automation. Organize your portfolio around the project's goals, approach, and results, and be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Meta's company culture, values, and mission. Be prepared to discuss your fit for the role and the team's long-term goals during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and optical engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Optical Systems Engineer