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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Devyantram

Lead Photonics Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

... junior researchers and engineers. Required Qualifications • MS or PhD in Applied Physics ... Strongly Preferred • Optical or holographic computing. • Unconventional or non-von-Neumann ...

Compunnel

Systems Algorithm Engineer EO/IR

Linthicum, MD · On-site

... junior and mid-level engineering team members. • Develop, integrate, test, and deploy novel electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) algorithms. • Develop and maintain physics-based sensor models and ...

NSS

Principle Electrical Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$160 - $230/hr

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams of optical, mechanical, software, and systems ... Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers while helping establish engineering best ...

New

Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineer - EO/IR

Dulles, VA · On-site

Demonstrated experience with EO, Laser or other optical systems for airborne or space platforms ... teaching peers and junior engineers on EOIR systems design and performance behaviors An ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,320 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Lead Photonics Engineer

Devyantram

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Devyantram is building a unified platform of bionic robots, from nanoscale to humanoid, powered by a bionic brain system that fuses biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI to tackle global challenges in climate, medicine, and defense.
Role Summary
You will lead the design and development of Devyantram's photonic intelligence hardware supporting the CEREBRION bionic brain platform. You are responsible for architecting intelligence-substrate hardware, not just building individual components.
Key Responsibilities
Photonics Engineering
• Design and simulate photonic circuits, waveguides, resonators, and interferometers.
• Develop optical interconnects and signal-routing subsystems.
• Work on optical memory and optical compute elements.
• Target high-bandwidth sensing, low-latency communication, and energy-efficient computation.
• Own photonics fabrication, testing, and characterization.
Compute Hardware
• Contribute to unconventional, brain-inspired photonic compute hardware.
• Translate cognitive and AI requirements into physical implementations.
• Co-design with the bioengineering, mechatronics, and controls teams.
IP & Technical Leadership
• Generate foundational IP across photonics.
• Lead invention disclosures and support patent strategy with counsel.
• Define the long-term photonic hardware roadmap.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers.
Required Qualifications
• MS or PhD in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of demonstrated expertise in photonics engineering.
• Strong experience in nanofabrication.
• Proven ability to bridge theory, fabrication, and system-level integration.
Strongly Preferred
• Optical or holographic computing.
• Unconventional or non-von-Neumann computing.
• Brain-machine interfaces or neural probes.
• Advanced research lab or deep-tech startup experience.
A Successful Candidate Will Be Measured By
• Functionality and performance of the compute hardware.
• Successful design and fabrication of photonics systems.
• Reliability of hardware integration across subsystems.
• Strength, novelty, and defensibility of generated core IP.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.
The pay range for this role is:
150,000 - 170,000 USD per year (Ashburn, VA)

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