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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Staff-Optical Test Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Evaluate emerging optical testing technologies and integrate industry advancements into platform ... Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, leading design reviews and establishing technical best ...

Nokia

Staff-Optical Test Engineer

Allentown, PA

$127K - $164K/yr

Deep expertise in optical principles, photonic systems, and advanced testing methodologies * Strong ... Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, leading design reviews and establishing technical best ...

NSS

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Herndon, VA

Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists * Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum * Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior optical engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 some typical projects or tasks a Junior Optical Engineer might work on?

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 job?

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.

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What cities are hiring for Junior Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Optical Engineer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Junior Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Optical Engineer jobs are:
Junior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Jr. Electrical/Electro-Optical Engineer

Jr. Electrical/Electro-Optical Engineer

NSS

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Fibertek is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented engineer to support the U.S. Army's Research and Technology Division at Fort Belvoir, VA as an electro- optical engineer, entry level, doing research, development, demonstration, and test/evaluation of US Army laser-based programs. Candidate will support program throughout requirements formation, concept development, definition of critical features and problems, development of a prototype design, and testing and evaluation of concept.

Job Duties

You will support the US Army customer's mission to develop and improve laser- based technology for the Warfighter.

In system design, development, set up and integration, review system requirements and objectives, use 3-D modeling software, 3-D print components, write basic code, align optical components, and test operation. At component and system level, design and conduct lab experiments and field testing, collect measurements and data, and draft test reports.

Keep inventory of systems.
Work with other engineers and staff on system design and development and to resolve engineering issues and actions.
Follows all safety protocol and protection measures; assists with or advises safety inspections as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience

Minimum Bachelor's degree in the Engineering or Science fields. Other disciplines will be considered with appropriate experience.
Experience in Engineering or Science and Technology fields, including 3-D modeling software, 3-D printing techniques and design, and computer programming.

Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for careful alignment and adjustment of laser system optical components.
Proficiency in MS Office, PowerPoint and MS Project required.
Excellent communication, writing and editing skills.

US citizenship is required.
Active DoD clearance is required.
This is an on-site position at Fort Belvoir, VA
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience: 0 to 5 years

Employment Term and Type Regular, Full Time

Salary and Benefits
Paid time off such as PTO,Health insurance, Life insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Retirement benefits or accounts, Healthcare spending or reimbursement accounts, such as FSAs, Long term disability insurance, Short term disability insurance, Tuition assistance, Wellness programs, Employee recognition programs, Relocation assistance, Commuting/travel assistance, Telecommuting options, Workplace perks such as recreation activities, food and coffee, and flexible work schedules!


Why Fibertek, Inc?

FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment with minimal bureaucracy. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.

Fibertek, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Applicants are considered regardless of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact us at hr@fibertek.com.

NSS logo

About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

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