Senior Optical Engineer, XR

Google

Google

San Jose, CA, USA

USD 159k-231k / year + Equity

Posted on May 20, 2026

Senior Optical Engineer, XR

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GoogleSan Jose, CA, USA
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Minimum qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a specialized field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP, etc.), or equivalent practical experience.
  • 4 years of experience working in the AR/VR optical system, waveguide display system, or optical semiconductor manufacturing field for waveguide.
  • Experience in optical design and simulation.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with AR, virtual reality (VR), or heads-up display (HUD) optics.
  • Experience managing the complete optical design lifecycle from design, optimization, analysis, tolerances, fabrication, and metrology.
  • Familiarity with LightTools, Zemax or equivalent.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.
  • Communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

About the job

As a Senior Optical Engineer with experience in optics and display hardware development, you will lead the development and manufacturing of cutting-edge optical systems. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between optical design and high-volume production, ensuring the successful realization of next-gen augmented reality eyewear displays. For decades, the computing revolution has reshaped our world driven by
breakthroughs in compute, connectivity, mobile, and now, AI. Google's XR
team is at the forefront of the next major leap – the convergence of AI and XR. This is more than just new devices – it's about reimagining how we interact with the world around us. We're building a future where
lightweight XR devices like smart glasses and headsets pair with helpful AI to augment human intelligence, offering personalized, conversational, and contextually aware experiences.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $159,000-$231,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

  • Design and simulate the next generation waveguide display systems.
  • Collaborate with optical system, and manufacturing teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and process integration.
  • Design and execute experiments (DOE) to characterize process parameters, identify critical process controls, and optimize manufacturing performance.
  • Utilize statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis techniques to monitor process stability, identify deviations, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Conduct root cause analysis for process issues, yield loss, and quality defects, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

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Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy, Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal, Belonging at Google, and How we hire.

If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

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