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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Viavi

Digital Hardware Engineer

Germantown, MD · 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 ...

American Electronic Warfare Associates, Incorporated

$90 - $140/hr

Experience with design and assembly to maintain EO/IR test systems * Experience with FLIR, IRST and ... Master's Degree in Physics, Aerospace, Electrical or Electro-Optical Engineering * Experience with ...

Lockheed Martin

RF Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

The RF Design Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our RF systems ... RF and optical capabilities. WHY JOIN US: Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life Our flexible ...

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All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Maryland

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 17, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are optical design engineers in high demand?

Optical design engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, and aerospace that rely on advanced optical systems. Their expertise in lens design, optical simulations, and proficiency with tools like Zemax or Code V makes them valuable in developing innovative optical solutions, especially as technology continues to advance.

What do optical design engineers do?

Optical design engineers develop and optimize optical systems and components, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software like Zemax or Code V. They analyze light behavior, perform simulations, and ensure designs meet performance specifications, often collaborating with manufacturing and testing teams. Strong knowledge of optics, physics, and CAD tools is essential for this role.

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

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

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:

Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,795 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Electro-Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Relative Dynamics

Greenbelt, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

Relative Dynamics is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer to perform design, development, calibration and evaluation of electro-optical elements, subsystems, and systems for spaceflight and ground- based systems. Included are lasers, detectors, and beam control assemblies. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. This is a full-time, on-site position and NOT eligible for remote work.

What You'll Get to Do:

  • Provide fiber optic manufacturing, test, and characterization services for the Photonics Laboratories.

  • Develop appropriate manufacturing and verification processes for the construction of high reliability fiber optic cables and fiber optic components/assemblies.

  • Generation and maintenance of manufacturing work travelers and electro-optical of test logs

  • Assist with the operation of thermal, thermal vacuum, and cryogenic test chambers for characterization of fiber optic cables and electro-optical components.

What You'll Need:

Required Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Electro-optics, or related technical field.

  • Minimum five (5) years demonstrated experience in a laboratory/manufacturing environment.

  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and not require current or future sponsorship.

Required Skills

  • Demonstrated cleanroom work experience and training/certification.

  • Demonstrated safe operation of electro-optical manufacturing and test equipment, including Class II-IV LASERs.

  • Demonstrated experience in fusion fiber splicing of single core fibers.

  • Demonstrated experience in the use of polymeric applications for high reliability photonic applications.

  • Well organized, with the ability to multi-task effectively in a fast paced manufacturing environment.

  • Experienced user of Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

  • Demonstrated use of Labview, including writing/programming new code, editing and compiling existing code for the purposes of test automation.

  • Experienced user of Matlab for analyzing, plotting and reporting of large datasets.

  • Excellent English communication (verbal and written) skills

Desired Qualifications

  • Co-op or post-graduate experience in fiber optic or electro-optic research or development

  • NASA ESD training

  • Prior NASA project work experience

Who You Are:

  • Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders

  • Customer-focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards

  • Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline-driven environments

  • Productive and results-oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects

  • Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success

What You'll Enjoy:

  • Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact

  • Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.

  • Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.

Apply