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Entry Level Opt Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Opt Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$34K

$78.6K

$133.6K

How much do entry level opt engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level opt engineer in Washington, DC is $78,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $88,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Entry Level Opt Engineers?

Entry Level Opt Engineers are professionals who have recently started their careers in optical engineering. They typically work on the design, testing, and integration of optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics for various industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. These engineers often assist senior team members, perform experiments, collect data, and help troubleshoot optical components. They usually hold a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field, and may receive on-the-job training to develop their skills further.

What is the difference between Entry Level Opt Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Opt EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optics, physics, or engineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development in labs or engineering settingsAssembly, calibration, and maintenance in manufacturing or lab environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research labs, optical device manufacturersOptical labs, manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities

Entry Level Opt Engineers focus on designing and testing optical systems, requiring a degree in engineering or physics. Optical Technicians handle assembly and calibration of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Opt Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Opt Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory measurement tools, and CAD systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting technical findings. These skills and qualifications enable precise optical system design, efficient troubleshooting, and successful integration into multidisciplinary engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Entry Level Opt Engineers when transitioning from academia to industry?

Entry Level Opt Engineers often find that industry projects require faster turnaround times and more collaboration compared to academic work. Adapting to the use of commercial optical design software, learning company-specific protocols, and effectively communicating technical details with cross-functional teams can be challenging at first. Additionally, balancing multiple projects simultaneously and aligning design solutions with customer requirements are key aspects that may differ from academic research. Proactively seeking mentorship and being open to feedback can help ease this transition.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Opt Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,559 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Entry Level Quality Assurance Analyst

Entry Level Quality Assurance Analyst

Logical Paradigm

Herndon, VA

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Company Description

 Logical Paradigm LLC is an E-Verified, IT consulting company based in Herndon, Virginia that specializes in Business Intelligence, JAVA, Business Analysis, Quality Assurance Analysis, Project Managers, and Validation Engineers positions with employees working all over United States. Our professionals work in broad spectrum of IT projects within industries ranging from finance and healthcare to media and telecom and much more. We work directly with clients from different domains. To name a few: Health Insurance: Anthem, Blue cross Blue Shield, United Health Group, Financial: Bank of America, World Bank, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, Fannie Mae, Master Card Retail: Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, Insurance: Geico, State Farm, Nation Wide, Progressive Logistics:

Job Description

Entry level candidates are welcome to apply, they must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree from Computer Science or any IT related background (STEM Program). Previous experience in software development, quality assurance, or other related fields Knowledge of Java, Python, or other programming languages Familiarity with relational databases such as MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server Should have at least 1 year of IT experience. Basic Knowledge of QA processes with Java and related technologies Skilled in any one or more language preferably Java/Python Working knowledge of writing scripts for Automation Frameworks is a plus. Good Communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills Must be willing to relocate National wide. Strong root-cause analysis skills. 

Citizens, Green Card holders and those who are authorized to work in US are highly encouraged to apply. Also, we do sponsor H1B and Green Card for the right candidate.

Qualifications

Manual Testing

Automotive Testing

Additional Information

  - Competitive Base Salary: Base Pay with periodic reviews (usually every 6 months) and increments.

 - Health Insurance:

Our Company provides all its full-time employees with medical insurance. Health Insurance coverage (PPO Plan) is offered by United Healthcare, one of the leading healthcare companies in the United States. This allows easy access to dependable healthcare, through a large network of physicians and hospitals, spread across the United States. We also provide benefits like Dental/Vision -Workers Compensation and Life Insurance: Workers' compensation.

We also have a training program to gain more hand-on experience.

 Our Program Highlights:

 Our professional trainer will prepare you to start or continue your career in the QA field

  • ONLINE Classes are conducted in the evenings on weekends for your convenience from your location.
  • Very High Project Placement Rate after the completion of the training.
  • We provide the Immigration Support for OPT students /OPT extension.


Apply