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Internship Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Virginia

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal ... Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical and sensor components ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal ... QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR ...

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Internship Optical Research Engineer information

What does an internship optical research engineer do?

An Internship Optical Research Engineer assists in the development and testing of optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work under the guidance of senior engineers and researchers to conduct experiments, analyze data, and help improve optical technologies. Interns in this role often use specialized software, perform laboratory work, and contribute to research documentation. This position provides valuable hands-on experience in the field of optics and prepares students for careers in optical engineering or related industries.

What types of projects can an internship optical research engineer expect to work on, and how is mentorship typically structured?

As an Internship Optical Research Engineer, you will likely support ongoing research and development projects involving optical systems, such as laser design, imaging, or sensor technology. Interns often assist with optical simulations, data analysis, prototyping, and laboratory experiments. Mentorship is typically provided by senior engineers or scientists who guide your technical growth through regular check-ins, collaborative problem-solving, and feedback on your work. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world optical engineering challenges within a collaborative team environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship optical research engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Optical Research Engineer, you typically need a solid background in physics or engineering, with coursework or experience in optics and photonics. Familiarity with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is often expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for accurately designing, testing, and reporting on optical systems and for collaborating within research teams.

What is the difference between Internship Optical Research Engineer vs Optical Research Scientist?

AspectInternship Optical Research EngineerOptical Research Scientist
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a relevant degree (BSc, MSc)Advanced degree (MSc, PhD) often required
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, research labs, industry settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&D
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in experiments, data collection, supporting research projectsDesigning experiments, analyzing data, publishing research

The main difference is that an Internship Optical Research Engineer is an entry-level, temporary position aimed at gaining experience, while an Optical Research Scientist is a more advanced, often permanent role focused on conducting independent research and contributing to scientific knowledge.

What are popular job titles related to Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Internship Optical Research Engineer job openings:

Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Optical Research Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Communications Systems Engineer (Optical/Quantum)

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 hours ago

SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615281
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-08-06
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Systems Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
?SAIC is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer with strong optical and quantum communications engineering experience to support specialized analysis, engineering, design, and operations for Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) customers. We support development of next-generation and far-future national security systems across land, sea, air, and space domains.
We are hiring a Communications Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to an IC Research & Development (R&D) customer developing advanced hardware, software, and architectural solutions for mission-critical optical and quantum communication systems.
Responsibilities
Perform technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication system development efforts at the component, subsystem, system, and architecture levels.
Evaluate designs and technologies including optical terminals, free-space optical links, photonic components, entanglement-based communication architectures, and quantum-enhanced optical subsystems.
Assess emerging technologies and identify gaps related to high-bandwidth space links, advanced modulation formats, pointing/tracking systems, link budgets, networking performance, and secure quantum-enabled transport architectures.
Support development of technology roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for optical and quantum system modernization.
Conduct technical outreach with mission users to capture needs and evaluate applicability of emerging optical and quantum capabilities.
Prepare system engineering documentation, technical analyses, and program-level briefings to communicate findings and strategic recommendations.
Provide support to programmatic and acquisition activities, including source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience
Experience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentation.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
Desired Qualifications
Master's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline.
12+ years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years in optical or quantum communication systems.
1+ year of experience supporting USG R&D acquisition processes and documentation.
Experience with space-based optical terminals, quantum optical payloads, photonic systems, or advanced quantum-enhanced communication architectures
Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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