Research Scientist Intern, Optical Optimization and Inverse Design (PhD)

The Reality Labs (RL) Research Team 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 interfaces, 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, Optical Optimization and Inverse Design (PhD) Responsibilities

• Develop next generation AR/VR display prototypes with an emphasis on both modeling and prototyping new concepts.
• Explore one of the following optimization methods for photonic design: adjoint method, machine learning, Bayesian optimization.
• The position will have an emphasis on the development of advanced simulations and optimization algorithms to prove new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts.
• Collaborate with the larger Reality Labs team and provide creative leadership on display technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD degree in the field of Optical Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related field.
• 2+ years experience in geometric, physical optics, integrated photonics or nanophotonics emphasizing modeling and optimization.
• 2+ years hands-on experience in scientific computing and one or more of the following optical modeling methods: Ray tracing, BPM, FDTD, FDFD, FEM, RCWA, or similar.
• 2+ years hands-on experience in one or more of the following optical optimization methods: adjoint method, deep learning, Bayesian optimization, evolutionary algorithms, or similar.
• 2+ years experience with scientific programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar.
• Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intent to return to degree-program after the completion of the internship/co-op.
• Computational background with understanding of numerical partial differential equations.
• Experience with high-performance computing and/or CUDA programming.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar.
• Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by first-authored publications.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment.

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. LocationsAbout 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 committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations) in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to 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.