2

Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

MoFe Engineer

Frederick, MD · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Whether you're an entry-level candidate or bring years of experience, we offer knowledge ... Degree in Laser Electro-optics, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Electronics, or a similar field ...

$81K/yr

You will serve as an entry-level/developmental GG-07 or GG-09 engineer, architect, physicist ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and ...

New

$81K/yr

You will serve as an entry-level/developmental GG-07 or GG-09 engineer, architect, physicist ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and ...

New

$81K/yr

Demonstrated ability (via academic capstones, internships, or prior entry-level work) to apply ... fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or ...

New

$81K/yr

Demonstrated ability (via academic capstones, internships, or prior entry-level work) to apply ... fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or ...

New

Position Overview SubCom, LLC is seeking an entry-level Financial Analyst to support the Marine ... SubCom engineers, manufactures, and installs subsea fiber optic data cables - the unsung heroes of ...

Position Overview SubCom, LLC is seeking an entry-level Financial Analyst to support the Marine ... SubCom engineers, manufactures, and installs subsea fiber optic data cables - the unsung heroes of ...

Optical Engineer Entry Level information

See Maryland salary details

$80.6K

$139.4K

$163.5K

How much do optical engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer entry level in Maryland is $139,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $162,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are optical engineers in demand?

Optical engineers are in demand due to their role in developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field requires skills in optics, photonics, and related software tools, with job growth driven by technological advancements and increasing reliance on optical technologies.

How to get into optical engineering?

To enter optical engineering as an entry-level professional, obtain a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering with a focus on optics. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, developing skills in optical design software like Zemax or Code V, and understanding laser systems and photonics are also important steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the optical engineer entry level position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer Entry Level, a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering principles—usually acquired through a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field—is essential. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is typically expected for hands-on work and simulations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective team communication make candidates stand out in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies are crucial for successfully designing, testing, and refining optical systems used in industries like telecommunications, imaging, and manufacturing.

What is an optical engineer entry level?

An Optical Engineer Entry Level job involves designing, testing, and improving optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics, under the supervision of senior engineers. Responsibilities may include running simulations, performing laboratory experiments, and assisting in product development. Entry-level optical engineers often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, or manufacturing. Strong analytical skills, a background in physics or engineering, and proficiency with optical design software are essential. This role provides hands-on experience and opportunities for career growth in optical engineering.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry-level optical engineer?

As an entry-level Optical Engineer, you will typically support the design, prototyping, and testing of optical components and systems under the guidance of senior engineers. Your daily tasks may include conducting simulations, preparing reports on experimental results, assembling optical setups in the lab, and troubleshooting equipment. You’ll often collaborate with cross-functional teams that include mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers. This role provides an excellent opportunity to build practical skills, contribute to real-world product development, and learn from experienced mentors while laying the groundwork for future advancement in the optical engineering field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Maryland? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Maryland are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Maryland? For Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Maryland are hiring for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities in Maryland with the most Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $139,380 per year, or $67 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer (Mechanical Design) - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$87K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

As an Operational Support professional, you will use skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. In addition, we are seeking skills that include computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering.

Qualifications:ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or Doctoral degree and no experience.
OR
With a degree in a related field (for example, Construction Engineering, General Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Architecture, Mathematics, Hydrology, and Geology) entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems (for example, heating, cooling, refrigeration, ductwork, piping systems, energy management controls, building management systems, mechanical codes, and indoor air quality standards), Project Management (for example, reading design drawings and facilities design), or Mechanical Design Engineering (for example, rapid prototyping process, thermal design and ventilation, tolerancing, properties/mechanics of materials, heat transfer, release agents, electronics, weight transfer, metallurgy), using 2D or 3D Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CAD) tools, or Industrial Control Systems (ICS).Education:The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (for example, Construction Engineering, General Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Architecture, Mathematics, Hydrology, and Geology).
If program is not ABET accredited, it must include specified coursework.*
*Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) Any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom