Staff Optical Engineer, Metrology

A new paradigm of computing

Magic Leap is a pioneer in Augmented Reality (AR) optics, display systems, platforms, devices services, prototyping and manufacturing capabilities. We are known for our unmatched optics stack and have developed ultra-lightweight waveguides and display systems that advance what is possible in AR. With more than a decade of experience in AR innovation, we have made groundbreaking advancements in text legibility, color fidelity and rich digital content visuals while continually expanding the field of view to create engaging, immersive AR experiences.

Magic Leap could be your place if you want to be part of a united team where everyone is empowered and trusted to make an impact. At Magic Leap, you can explore innovative solutions and use your talents to solve real-world problems. Working alongside industry experts, you can grow your skills while helping make our technology available to millions of people as a partner in the mixed reality (XR) ecosystem. We know that successful change and progress accelerates diverse perspectives. As we shape our future, everyone's voice matters. Together, we can reimagine the world of work and, with our bold partners, make the impossible possible.

The opportunity

As a Staff Optical Engineer within our Waveguide team, you will design and operate custom characterization setups to measure diffractive efficiency, polarization, throughput, and stray light in waveguide prototypes and eyepieces. Working at the intersection of metrology and product development, you'll develop innovative measurement methodologies, analyze complex datasets, and create feedback loops with fabrication and design teams to drive manufacturing improvements. This is a hands-on, lab-based role for an experienced experimental optical engineer passionate about solving challenging optical physics problems in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

This position requires full on-site presence at our Austin, TX facility to ensure seamless collaboration and hands-on support for daily operations. Relocation assistance is available for non-local candidates.

What you'll do

• Be a key member of a newly established, lab-based experimental team focused on bridging the gap between nano-metrology and device-level optical performance.
• Design and conduct targeted optical experiments to probe the relationship between nanostructure fabrication and macroscopic waveguide performance.
• Develop and refine custom experimental setups to systematically characterize waveguide prototypes, test coupons, and eyepieces.
• Utilize and innovate upon optical metrology techniques to extract high-fidelity data on diffractive and polarization effects, optical efficiency, and stray light behavior.
• Work closely with fabrication, metrology, and optical design teams to create feedback loops that enhance understanding of waveguide physics and improve manufacturing processes.
• Analyze experimental results using custom and commercial software tools, providing deep insights into the performance of novel optical architectures.
• Propose and implement new measurement methodologies to overcome existing limitations in optical characterization.
• Communicate findings effectively through technical reports, presentations, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The experience you bring

• 8+ years of experience in optical bench system design, with a strong focus on scientific measurements, methods, analysis, and hands-on prototyping.
• Strong background in experimentation of optical systems: imaging and non-imaging projection systems, diffractive grating characterization, and camera systems.
• Experience developing software tools for optical, physics-based, or engineering applications.
• High comfort level with scientific programming and image processing while working with large datasets.
• 3D CAD design experience, 3D printing and 80/20 based erector sets (Solidworks, LightTools, Sketchup, 80/20 IdeaBuilder...etc.)
• Experience in building up research labs and identifying equipment and facility needs for optical test systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on developing efficient and scalable hardware and software solutions.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

It's exciting if you also have

• Experience integrating commercial optical design and simulation software (such as RCWA, FDTD, BPM, Lumerical, Zemax, COMSOL, 3DOptix etc.) into custom workflows.
• Proficiency in Python, including experience with numerical computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, pandas, etc.).
• Experience with parallel computing, GPU acceleration, or cloud computing.
• Experience with C++ for performance-critical applications, including numerical libraries such as BLAS/LAPACK.
• Background in optics, computational electromagnetics, or related fields.
• Experience developing interactive data visualization tools (e.g., using Matplotlib, Plotly).
• Experience in machine learning for scientific applications.
• Experience working in an R&D environment where software directly supports experimental or manufacturing workflows.
• Familiarity with AR/MR display systems and optical hardware.
• 3D CAD product design experience (Creo, Solidworks, Sketchup, AutoCAD...etc.)

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to Equal Employment Opportunities guidelines.

Please note that we do not accept any application documents via (e-)mail. Furthermore, we do not accept applications from recruitment agencies for this role.

All legitimate Magic Leap email communications will end with "@magicleap.com";. Please carefully review all emails you receive, to ensure you only engage with legitimate representatives of Magic Leap. For the protection of your Personal Information, do not click any links, open any attachments, or further engage with any suspicious communications. In the event you receive an unexpected or suspicious communication claiming to come from Magic Leap, please reach out directly to TalentAcquisition@magicleap.com for assistance.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation during the application, interviewing, or hiring process, you may request an accommodation by emailing ApplicantAccommodation@magicleap.com. Magic Leap will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

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