Principal Nanofabrication Engineer

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 Principal Nanofabrication Research Engineer on our Eyepiece Development Team, you will drive the development and optimization of advanced nano-fabrication processes, with a focus on nanoimprint lithography and multi-layer patterning technologies. You will be working with an exceptional cross-functional team to define and execute the process roadmap, leading efforts to enhance key optical performance metrics across next-generation waveguide products.

This role is ideal for someone with strong project or program leadership experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and R&D partners to take processes from concept through high-volume manufacturing readiness.

Location: 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

• Develop and optimize nanofabrication processes for nano-imprint mold creation.
• Contribute to eyepiece fabrication process development to enhance key optical performance metrics (KPIs) such as efficiency, uniformity, and user/world ratio.
• Transfer developed processes from R&D to manufacturing, ensuring scalability and reproducibility.
• Collaborate closely with the design, metrology, and cross-functional teams to exchange feedback, troubleshoot challenges, and drive innovation.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement new fabrication tools and equipment to enable advanced process capabilities at Magic Leap.
• Perform metrology and characterization tasks, including SEM imaging and optical measurements.

The experience you bring

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in nanofabrication.
• 10+ years of experience working in an industrial or production environment, preferably in a clean room environment.
• Strong expertise in dry etching (RIE, ICP), ion beam milling/etching, and thin-film deposition (sputtering, evaporation, PECVD, ALD).
• Proven experience in photolithography and/or electron-beam lithography.
• Familiarity with nano-imprint lithography is a plus.
• Familiarity with SEM, ellipsometry, and AFM is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated project management and leadership skills.
• Strong data analysis, organization, and documentation abilities. Familiarity with JMP, JIRA, Smartsheet or equivalent is a plus.
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills and a deep understanding of the underlying physics behind process issues.

It’s exciting if you also have

• A strong background in optics or optical device fabrication.
• Experience with Python or other programming languages for data processing and automation.

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 [email protected] for assistance.

Accommodations

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

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