Research Scientist, Liquid Crystal Fabrication Process

Meta • Redmond, WA

35d

About The Position

At Reality Labs, our goal is to make world-class consumer virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences. Come work alongside world leading scientists and engineers to create the technology that makes VR and AR pervasive and universal. Join the adventure of a lifetime as we make science fiction real and change the world. Our Optics, Photonics, and Light Systems (OPALS) Research group is looking for a Liquid Crystal Fabrication and Integration Process Research Scientist with a proven track record of innovation to join our team. We are seeking a scientist to lead internal R&D and influence external productization of new processes to fabricate advanced liquid crystal based devices relevant to future Augmented Reality display architectures. You will join a highly cross-functional team tasked with concept innovation, design, development, and prototyping of optical components to support future AR optics productization. This role requires close collaboration with internal cross functional partners and external vendors to define and deliver complex solutions to support novel concept prototyping, process development, and performance optimization. You will receive full support from the management and leadership team to grow your technical skills.

Requirements

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience. Degree must be completed prior to joining Meta
• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a PhD in physics, material science, semiconductor nanofabrication, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in liquid crystal material optical, mechanical, electrical characterization
• 2+ years of experience in liquid crystal device process development, integration, and device characterization
• Proven understanding of thin film processes (e.g. deposition, etch, imprint)
• Proven understanding in characterization of organic or inorganic thin films using techniques like ellipsometry, optical profilometry, SEM
• Proven understanding of optical materials and processes
• Experience in scientific programming and data analysis tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, or similar)
• Demonstrated track record of innovative research and publications in the field of liquid crystal optics fabrication, semiconductor nanofabrication, materials science, or related field
• Demonstrated aptitude in critical thinking and reasoning skills
• Effective communication and documentation skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an industrial Research and Development environment developing novel optical devices with liquid crystals materials
• Demonstrated experience working within a team towards liquid crystal based diffractive devices, switchable and/or tunnable optical hardware research and development
• Experience working with and characterizing structural fluids
• Experience characterizing and tuning photo-response materials
• Proven understanding of diffractive optics
• Experience characterizing and developing process & integration w/ liquid crystals , photo-alignment materials, and/or thin film optics
• Demonstrated experience leading focused process ramp-up w/ internal or external partners
• Track record of translating design parameters into device, component, and/or process requirements and establishing development framework
• Experience in material and/or process reliability performance and test methods
• Experience designing and building custom experimental and analytical setups for device testing and demos

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of fabrication processes for integration of liquid crystals into optical devices, including coating, printing, deposition, patterning, and bonding processes
• Design materials integration workflows for device fabrication and roll out solutions at internal and external partner sites
• Develop custom solutions or adapt existing hardware or methodology to resolve liquid crystal material characterization and integration constraints
• Troubleshoot process integration challenges by actively participating in defining and collaborating with metrology engineers
• Leverage detailed knowledge of the impact of liquid crystal materials and process variables on product cost and performance improvement
• Innovate process concepts to overcome limitations of existing technologies and achieve step-function improvement over conventional approaches
• Engage and collaborate cross-functionally with metrology, design, and process team members to co-optimize materials, design and processes, establish a fundamental understanding of as-built physical optics, and to identify, validate, and address sources of gaps in desired display performance
• Partner with cross functional teams, technical program managers and leadership to devise and execute on the program priorities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree