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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Network Engineer-Junior

Washington, DC

$80K - $120K/yr

Network Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: Top ... Expert knowledge of cabling standards, including fiber optic and copper cable termination.

SAIC

Network Engineer-Junior

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Expert knowledge of cabling standards, including fiber optic and copper cable termination ... engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining ...

SAIC

Network Engineer-Junior

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Expert knowledge of cabling standards, including fiber optic and copper cable termination ... ing services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely ...

New

NSS

Fiber Laser Engineer / Technician

Herndon, VA

Align optical components and fiber paths with minimal supervision * Support early-stage prototype ... Informally mentor junior technicians or new team members through example and guidance Minimum ...

CDM Smith

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$106K - $139K/yr

... Optic Ethernet connections to HMI/SCADA equipment, PLCs, power monitors, VFDs, networked field ... Leading teams of more junior staff and provides direction and mentoring. Reviewing the work of ...

CDM Smith

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about building client relationships, mentoring junior ... Optic Ethernet connections to HMI/SCADA equipment, PLCs, power monitors, VFDs, networked field ...

KBR, Inc.

Photogrammetric Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

Knowledge of Electro-Optical and SAR payloads and their Concept of Operations (CONOPs) * Testing ... more junior personnel * Organization and Communication : Demonstrated ability to effectively ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsJunior Optical Engineer JobsJunior Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington

Junior Optical Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$37.9K

$81.3K

$124K

How much do junior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior optical engineer in Washington is $81,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior optical engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a bachelor's degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or CODE V), basic laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work efficiently within engineering teams and present findings clearly. These skills ensure precise design, troubleshooting, and collaborative project development in this technically demanding role.

What does a junior optical engineer do?

As a Junior Optical Engineer, you may assist in designing, testing, and evaluating optical systems such as lenses, imaging devices, or sensors under the supervision of senior engineers. Your responsibilities often include running simulations, performing hands-on experiments in the lab, analyzing data, and contributing to technical reports. You’ll also collaborate closely with colleagues in mechanical and electrical engineering to integrate optical components into larger systems. This role often provides opportunities to learn from mentors and gain hands-on experience with real-world applications, which is valuable for long-term career growth in the optical engineering field.

What is a junior optical engineer?

A Junior Optical Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional specializing in optical systems, components, and technologies. They assist in designing, testing, and optimizing optical devices such as lenses, lasers, and imaging systems. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers in research and development. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of optics principles, and proficiency with simulation tools are often required. This role provides foundational experience for growing into more advanced optical engineering positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Optical Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Junior Optical Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Optical Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Optical Engineer jobs in Washington are:

Junior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Optical Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,320 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Network Engineer-Junior

SAIC

Washington, DC

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614570

Location: Washington, DC, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-14

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Network Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Top_Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

We are seeking a skilled LAN/WAN Network Engineer to support the Department of State (DoS) Bureau of Diplomatic Technology (DT) program. This program delivers transparent, interconnected systems and robust security to enable the DoS to fulfill its U.S. foreign policy mission. DT provides comprehensive enterprise architecture design, engineering, operations, and maintenance support for desktops, servers, networks, firewalls, and enterprise applications across the Department.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate, design, document, install, implement, test, and troubleshoot a wide range of network components and systems.
  • Monitor, tune, and maintain network performance; set standards and ensure compliance across network infrastructure.
  • Provide client consulting and training on network systems, architectures, and best practices.
  • Plan, research, evaluate, and recommend new network and storage technologies.
  • Utilize monitoring and performance analysis tools to identify, isolate, and resolve network issues.
  • Develop solutions to operational challenges within the constraints of existing equipment and infrastructure.
  • Create and execute contingency plans for network hardware failures, including both isolated incidents and major outages.
  • Offer internal consulting, technical guidance, and support to application developers, IT operations, workstation support teams, management, and departmental clients.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related discipline and at least 5 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree and at least 3 years of experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Minimum of 8 years of IT network engineering support experience (including Tier II/Tier III support, network infrastructure implementation, and maintenance).
  • Expert-level experience with one or more of the following: Cisco Nexus, Cisco Catalyst routing and switching, DoD Network Standards (STIGs).
  • Experience supporting government customers in secure environments, with familiarity in NIPRNET and SIPRNET operating standards and guidelines.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and conducting quality assurance reviews of engineering change orders for perimeter security hardware and software.
  • Proficiency in root cause analysis, risk identification, and risk mitigation.
  • Expert knowledge of cabling standards, including fiber optic and copper cable termination.
  • Experience with network monitoring tools such as HP OpenView, STORM, AWS, NeuralStar, or similar platforms.

Required Clearance:

  • US Citizenship.
  • Active top secret clearance.

  • Candidate must be qualified for a TS/SCI clearance and have held an SCI clearance within the past 3 years.

Desired Qualifications:

  • ITIL® Foundation certification.
  • Professional certifications such as Network+, Cisco CCNA, Cisco CCNP, or BICSI.
  • Familiarity with the Department of State environment, including data and voice networks, IT security systems, policies, and procedures; knowledge of Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAHs) and Foreign Affairs Manuals (FAMs).
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including effective collaboration, self-awareness, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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