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Augmented Reality Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Infotech Sourcing

Research Scientist III

Redmond, WA · On-site

Meta Reality Labs 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 ...

Infotech Sourcing

Research Scientist III

Redmond, WA · On-site

Meta Reality Labs 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 ...

The MITRE Corporation

XR Software Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as ... Leverage a technical understanding of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality ...

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How much do augmented reality research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for augmented reality research in the United States is $112,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Augmented Reality Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Augmented Reality Researcher, you need strong expertise in computer vision, 3D graphics, and programming languages such as C++ or Python, often supported by an advanced degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with AR development platforms (like Unity or Unreal Engine), machine learning frameworks, and tools for spatial mapping is typically required. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication help researchers develop innovative solutions and share findings with interdisciplinary teams. These skills are vital for advancing AR technologies and ensuring their practical application across industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Augmented Reality Research roles?

Professionals in Augmented Reality (AR) Research often encounter challenges such as keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology, ensuring compatibility across different hardware and software platforms, and addressing usability issues for diverse audiences. Additionally, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including designers, engineers, and UX specialists—requires effective communication to translate research findings into practical solutions. Managing project timelines while experimenting with novel approaches can also be demanding, but it offers significant opportunities for innovation and growth.

What is augmented reality research?

Augmented reality (AR) research involves studying and developing technologies that overlay digital information—such as images, sounds, or data—onto the real world, enhancing how users perceive and interact with their environment. Researchers in this field explore hardware like smart glasses, software development, user experience, and applications across industries such as gaming, education, healthcare, and retail. The goal is to improve AR systems’ usability, accuracy, and effectiveness, making them more immersive and practical for everyday use.
Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD)

Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD)

Meta

Redmond, WA

Internship

Posted 23 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 185 rated software companies

Job description

Meta Reality Labs brings together a 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 interface, 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 System Design (PhD) Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners including communicating research plans, progress, and results
  • Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development
  • Develop next generation AR/VR displays with an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand the perceptual impact of those concepts
  • Collaborate with larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solution space for AR/VR devices
  • Explore the application of at least one of the following: geometrical optics, diffraction optics, polarization optics, illumination, optical system design
  • This position will have an emphasis of advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Opto-Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computational Imaging or relevant technical field
  • Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
  • Experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: geometry optics, aberration theory, optical system prototyping
  • Experience with lens design in optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V or similar
  • Experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica)
  • Intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in freeform optics
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences such as JOSA, SPIE, OSA, IEEE, CLEO, or similar
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience in system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of bench-top optical components
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences
  • Experience working and communicating cross-functionally in a team environment
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)

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@meta.com.
$7,313/month to $12,134/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.

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