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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Digital Hardware Engineer

Germantown, MD ยท On-site

$112.70 - $209.30/hr

Staff, FPGA Digital Design Engineer page is loaded## Staff, FPGA Digital Design Engineerlocations ... Experience with optical interfaces and modules (SFPs, QSFPs) desired**Pre-Requisites / Skills ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Design Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$77.2K

$135.8K

$182K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Maryland is $135,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $153,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges optical design engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

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

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What is an optical design engineer?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.

What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in MD?

For Optical Design Engineer jobs in MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,795 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Electro-Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD โ€ข On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description Do you like to work with sophisticated electro-optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting-edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a top-rated employer? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! JHU/APL is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer to be a part of a team of scientists and engineers that conceives, designs, builds, and tests complex electro-optical systems. As an Electro-Optical Engineer, you will: * Conduct in-depth analysis of electro-optical sensors and systems
* Design, simulate, analyze, prototype, and test optical systems and sensors at the component, subsystem, and system levels
* Develop new test capabilities that will assess the performance of both new and fielded optical systems
* Develop and refine tools, techniques, models, simulations, algorithms, and software for the testing and evaluation of electro-optic systems
* Develop and maintain optical test equipment for electro-optical seeker and sensor systems
* Work with project and program management and with peers across the organization to ensure that test results provide critical contributions to the most critical challenges the nation faces in air and missile defense. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * A Bachelor's degree in engineering, optics, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
* Experience in analysis, design, development, or testing of electro-optical instruments or sensors
* Proficiency in data analysis and the interpretation of physical measurements as real-world phenomena
* Demonstrated strengths in understanding and solving sophisticated technical problems.
* Ability to speak and write for audiences of varying levels of technical knowledge
* Availability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed.
* An active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... * An MS or PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant technical field.
* Experience in system-level requirement analysis, engineering, and evaluation of electro-optical sensors, systems, and subsystems
* Experience with visible and infrared detectors (CCD, CMOS, microbolometer, InSb, HgCdTe, Type II SLS, etc.)
* Ability to perform radiometric/photometric modeling of electro-optical sensor systems in both the visible and the infrared spectrum
* Interdisciplinary familiarity of systems including optical, electro-optical, electrical, software, and mechanical engineering
* Experience in system engineering and project management.
* Experience with integrated software/hardware systems.
* Current TS/SCI clearance. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually