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Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Springfield, VA

$80K - $128K/yr

US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph prior to starting. * BS/BA degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering (or other engineering), Optics ...

Peraton

Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$80K - $128K/yr

US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph prior to starting. * BS/BA degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering (or other engineering), Optics ...

Peraton

Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$80K - $128K/yr

US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph prior to starting. * BS/BA degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering (or other engineering), Optics ...

Diversified

Associate Installation Technician

Sterling, VA

$21 - $27.75/hr

The Associate Installation Technician (AIT) is an entry level position responsible for performing a ... Able to build and wire custom panels from engineering drawings * Assisting in fiber optic cable ...

Diversified

Associate Installation Technician

Washington, DC

$23.50 - $31.25/hr

The Associate Installation Technician (AIT) is an entry level position responsible for performing a ... Able to build and wire custom panels from engineering drawings * Assisting in fiber optic cable ...

diversified

Associate Installation Technician

Sterling, VA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

The Associate Installation Technician (AIT) is an entry level position responsible for performing a ... Able to build and wire custom panels from engineering drawings * Assisting in fiber optic cable ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer Entry Level JobsOptical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Reston, VA

Optical Engineer Entry Level information

See Reston, VA salary details

$86.3K

$149.4K

$175.3K

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer entry level in Reston, VA is $149,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,200.00 and $173,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Engineer Entry Level job?

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 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 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.
More about Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Reston, VA? For Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Image Scientist (Entry-level)

Peraton

Springfield, VA

$80K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities

We are seeking an Image Scientist who will support:

  • Product evaluations, quality studies, new product initializations, product algorithm assessments, or develop image quality equations to quantify the expected quality of a system given various parameters.
  • Candidate should have a working understanding and practical application of modeling components of the image path to include sensor, detector, atmospheric, and material properties.
  • Simulation and modeling experience and ability to develop algorithm description documentation for software development is needed.
  • Familiarity with current Geospatial-Intelligence (GEOINT) systems, products and development, as well as exploitation software packages will be necessary to develop test and verification methodologies. GEOINT is a combination of Image intelligence (IMINT) and geolocation information.

Specific sub-tasks and activities to be performed include (but are not limited to):

  • Sensor modeling; decomposing product formation elements to quantify the overall quality of the image chain
  • Algorithm assessment to quantify the performance of a product with respect to desired mission applications
  • Performing baseline assessment of system performance to support sensor initialization
  • Operational monitoring of system performance over time
  • Analysis of reported errors and artifacts and recommendation of possible causes and suggested corrective actions
  • Generation of Image Quality Equations (IQEs)
  • Relating the National Image Interpretability Ratings Scale (NIIRS) to physical characteristics of the image change
  •  
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph prior to starting.
  • BS/BA degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering (or other engineering), Optics/Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics or related STEM degree and 0-2 years of experience. 

#PeratonEarlyCareer

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$80,000 - $128,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Peraton employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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