Demo

Optical Engineer

Meta
Sunnyvale, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/23/2025 CLOSED ON 1/10/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optical Engineer position at Meta?

We're seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to join our Reality Labs team, where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AR display and imaging systems. As a key member of our team, you'll explore innovative architectures and design spaces for AR optical systems, develop and analyze system components, and drive detailed system-level analysis.In this role, you will be part of a dynamic environment where you are will consistently switch between high-level thinking and meticulous attention to detail to mature our architectures and designs.

Optical Engineer Responsibilities:

  • Explore architectures and design spaces for AR optical systems through design and prototyping using novel and conventional techniques and components
  • Develop and analyze system and subsystem components that are specified to meet the needs of advanced AR products
  • Perform detailed system level analysis such as optical modeling, tolerancing, and estimating size, weight, and power to predict system performance
  • Contribute to the process of design releases, prototyping and creation of RFQ, ERS documentation
  • Collaborate with internal research teams for adoption of mature technologies

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Masters degree or equivalent experience in the field of Optics, Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Sciences or a similar field, or equivalent work experience
  • 2 years of experience in applied research and/or product development of optics or photonic systems
  • 2 years of experience with optical systems requiring any combination of the following: imaging, illumination, physical optics, stray light analysis, radiometry, photometry
  • Experience maturing optical systems from proof-of-concept to early low volume prototype or production
  • Knowledge of optical design, modeling methods, and tools for imaging and illumination systems as well as tolerance analysis
  • Experience working, communicating, and collaborating in a cross-functional environment
  • Experience with Code V, Zemax, MATLAB, Python or C programming
  • Experience with programming, software development and production

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD degree or equivalent experience in the field of Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a similar field
  • Working knowledge of human visual systems and ophthalmic optics, and familiarity with ophthalmic lens standards
  • 5 years of experience in applied research and/or product development of optics or photonic systems
  • 5 years of experience with optical systems requiring any combination of the following: imaging, illumination, physical optics, stray light analysis, radiometry, photometry
  • Knowledge of mass production of optical components and systems
  • Experience with full design chain: first order layout, design, material selection, opto-mechanical interaction, tolerancing, thermal control, supplier selection, supplier management, test and manufacturing evaluation
  • Experience in opto-mechanical design tools such as Ansys, Solidworks, NX
  • Experience in non-sequential ray tracing tools such as FRED or LightTools

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.

$111,000/year to $164,000/year bonus equity 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.

Salary : $111,000 - $164,000

Optical Engineer
KLA -
Milpitas, CA
Optical Engineer
Meta -
Menlo Park, CA
Optical Engineer
Cisco Systems, Inc. -
San Jose, CA

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Optical Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Optical Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$43,510 - $58,249
Income Estimation: 
$70,600 - $83,423
Income Estimation: 
$49,418 - $66,748
Income Estimation: 
$150,019 - $174,189
Income Estimation: 
$195,084 - $224,443
Income Estimation: 
$98,304 - $114,931
Income Estimation: 
$130,730 - $144,924
Income Estimation: 
$130,730 - $144,924
Income Estimation: 
$150,019 - $174,189
This job has expired.
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Meta

  • Meta Burlingame, CA
  • As a Data Science Manager at Meta, you will play a key role in shaping the future of experiences for billions of people and hundreds of millions of busines... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Meta Mountain, UT
  • Meta is seeking a data center Facility Project Manager to join our Data Center Facility Operations team. Our data centers serve as the foundation upon whic... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Meta Crook, OR
  • Meta is seeking a forward thinking, experienced Data Center Systems Engineer to join the Data Center Site Operations team. Our data centers, and the tens o... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Meta Montgomery, AL
  • Meta is seeking a Connectivity Engineer to join the Design Engineering and Construction (DEC) team. Our data centers are the foundation upon which our serv... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Optical Engineer jobs in the Sunnyvale, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Trident Consulting San Jose, CA
  • Hiring AR/VR Optical Engineer in San Jose, CA- Onsite Title: AR/VR Optical Engineer Location: San Jose, CA- Onsite Type: W2 Contract Pay Rate: $80 - $100 A... more
  • 14 Days Ago

  • Cisco San Jose, CA
  • Who We Are Optical engineers at Cisco design and build the next generation of Cisco optical communication products. Your product development role may cover... more
  • 16 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!