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Electro Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vets Hired

Engineer (Electro-Optical)

Lexington Park, MD

$145K - $188K/yr

Job Summary An organization is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer (Journeyman) to support advanced aircraft research, development, testing, and evaluation initiatives. This role focuses on designing ...

True Anomaly

Electro-Optical Engineer II

Denver, CO

$95K - $155K/yr

YOUR MISSION True Anomaly is seeking a motivated and technically curious Electro-Optical Engineer II to contribute to the design, analysis, and characterization of advanced imaging and sensing ...

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Electro Optical Engineer information

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$36K

$89.9K

$137K

How much do electro optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for electro optical engineer in the United States is $89,897.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities I can expect as an Electro Optical Engineer?

As an Electro Optical Engineer, you may work on designing, developing, and testing components such as lenses, sensors, lasers, or imaging systems for applications in industries like defense, aerospace, medical devices, or telecommunications. Your daily responsibilities might include performing optical simulations, assembling prototype hardware, conducting lab measurements, troubleshooting system performance, and collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. Projects often involve both hands-on experimentation and documentation as well as participation in project meetings or reviews. This variety provides opportunities to develop technical expertise, expand your system-level understanding, and broaden your impact across multiple product development phases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Electro Optical Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electro Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, electronics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory test equipment, and proficiency in CAD tools or simulation platforms is highly valued, and certifications in optical engineering can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish candidates in this field. These qualifications ensure that engineers can design, analyze, and integrate advanced electro-optical systems while collaborating efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.

What does an Electro Optical Engineer do?

An Electro Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical and photonic systems that integrate electronics and optical components. They work on technologies such as lasers, cameras, sensors, and imaging systems used in applications like defense, aerospace, and telecommunications. Their responsibilities include optical modeling, system integration, and performance analysis to optimize optical functionality.

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What cities are hiring for Electro Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Electro Optical Engineer job openings:
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What states have the most Electro Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Electro Optical Engineer jobs include:
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Electro Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electro Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,897 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
Electro-Optical Engineer

Electro-Optical Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you like to work with sophisticated electro-optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting-edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a top-rated employer?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
JHU/APL is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer to be a part of a team of scientists and engineers that conceives, designs, builds, and tests complex electro-optical systems.
As an Electro-Optical Engineer, you will:
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of electro-optical sensors and systems
  • Design, simulate, analyze, prototype, and test optical systems and sensors at the component, subsystem, and system levels
  • Develop new test capabilities that will assess the performance of both new and fielded optical systems
  • Develop and refine tools, techniques, models, simulations, algorithms, and software for the testing and evaluation of electro-optic systems
  • Develop and maintain optical test equipment for electro-optical seeker and sensor systems
  • Work with project and program management and with peers across the organization to ensure that test results provide critical contributions to the most critical challenges the nation faces in air and missile defense.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • A Bachelor's degree in engineering, optics, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
  • Experience in analysis, design, development, or testing of electro-optical instruments or sensors
  • Proficiency in data analysis and the interpretation of physical measurements as real-world phenomena
  • Demonstrated strengths in understanding and solving sophisticated technical problems.
  • Ability to speak and write for audiences of varying levels of technical knowledge
  • Availability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed.
  • An active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • An MS or PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant technical field.
  • Experience in system-level requirement analysis, engineering, and evaluation of electro-optical sensors, systems, and subsystems
  • Experience with visible and infrared detectors (CCD, CMOS, microbolometer, InSb, HgCdTe, Type II SLS, etc.)
  • Ability to perform radiometric/photometric modeling of electro-optical sensor systems in both the visible and the infrared spectrum
  • Interdisciplinary familiarity of systems including optical, electro-optical, electrical, software, and mechanical engineering
  • Experience in system engineering and project management.
  • Experience with integrated software/hardware systems.
  • Current TS/SCI clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually

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