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Lumerical Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Lumerical information

What is a Lumerical engineer?

Lumerical engineers are professionals who use Lumerical software tools to design, simulate, and analyze photonic devices and systems. They work primarily in the field of photonics and optoelectronics, leveraging Lumerical’s simulation tools for applications such as integrated optics, fiber optics, and nanophotonics. These engineers often collaborate with research and development teams to create high-performance optical components used in telecommunications, data centers, and other advanced technologies.

What types of projects do Lumerical engineers typically work on, and how does the team collaborate to deliver solutions?

Lumerical engineers are often involved in designing, simulating, and optimizing photonic devices and systems for applications like optical communications, sensing, or integrated photonics. Projects may range from developing new simulation features to supporting customer-specific workflows. Collaboration is key—engineers regularly work in cross-functional teams with software developers, product managers, and application specialists, using agile methodologies and frequent communication to deliver high-quality solutions. This team structure fosters knowledge sharing and offers opportunities to learn from experts across domains.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lumerical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lumerical Engineer, you need a solid background in photonics, optics, and computational physics, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Expertise in using Lumerical software for photonic device simulation, along with familiarity with CAD tools and programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills help in designing innovative solutions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Mastery of these skills ensures accurate simulations, efficient workflow, and successful development of advanced photonic technologies.

What is the difference between Lumerical vs Photonics Engineer?

AspectLumericalPhotonics Engineer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of photonics simulation software, engineering degreeDegree in optical, electrical, or photonics engineering; often familiar with simulation tools
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, simulation-focused rolesDesign, develop, and test photonic devices in industry or research settings
Industry UsageUsed by engineers for simulation and modelingProfessionals applying photonics principles in product development

While Lumerical refers to a software suite used by photonics professionals, a Photonics Engineer is a role that often requires proficiency with such tools. Both roles overlap in skills and industry, but Lumerical is a software product, whereas Photonics Engineer is a job title focused on applying photonics knowledge in practical projects.

What are popular job titles related to Lumerical jobs in Washington, DC?

For Lumerical jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lumerical jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Lumerical jobs in Washington, DC are:

Lumerical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lumerical job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, and 94% Full Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Senior Principal Electro-Optics Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD • Hybrid

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

114th of 246 rated software companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about General Dynamics Mission Systems, Incexternal

$191K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.

Clearance Requirements:
Ability to obtain a Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.


Job Description:

As a Senior Principal Electro-Optics Engineer, you will be a leader on the GDMS Free Space Optical (FSO) communications team, and own the architecture, engineering practices, and technical direction for our hardware, helping mature our work from prototype to product. You'll set the standard for how we design, build, test, and ship hardware across multiple concurrent programs spanning space, airborne, and tactical ground domains, while mentoring and growing the engineers around you. This role is as much about how we build as what we build.

What you bring to the table:

  • Strong grounding in the use of optical and electrical engineering concepts, principles, and theories
  • Strong knowledge of telecommunication applications and electrical engineering design tools
  • Ability to recognize and clearly report information relevant to sound electro-optical engineering design
  • Experience with optical and RF test and measurement equipment and laboratory tools
  • Familiarity with one or more of the following: MATLAB, Lumerical, Zemax, VPI, Python, C/C++, LabView

What sets you apart:

  • Demonstrated ownership of the full electro-optic hardware development lifecycle
  • Proven technical leadership of teams of engineers
  • Track record of taking hardware from prototype/R&D maturity to production-quality, maintainable, deliverable products

Our Commitment to You:

  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

 
Workplace Options:

This position is fully on-site with occasional Hybrid/Flex available.

While on-site, you will be a part of the Annapolis Junction, MD team.


This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
USD $191,246.00 - USD $206,000.00 /Yr.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!


Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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