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Optical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Electro-Optical (EO) Engineer to join Landmark AOS, SAIC's Prime SETA program in Chantilly, VA. Landmark AOS delivers critical Systems Engineering and ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$132.10K - $171K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential ...

Fibertek

Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors ...

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Optical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$82.3K

$142.4K

$167.1K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Virginia is $142,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Optical Engineer Do?

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Optical Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in VA? For Optical Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,379 per year, or $68.5 per hour.
Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

NSS

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Senior Optical Communication Engineer

Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links? Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow's advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while being empowered to make decisions in your area of expertise.

Your JobAs an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on building of space flight optical flight terminals, and leading the performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high-profile NASA and DOD missions. You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the design, fabrication, and qualification of laser communication terminals, optical modems, and optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating a multidisciplinary team of engineers to the successful completion of next generation laser communication terminals and optical modems while supporting multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.Required Skills and ExperienceTo succeed as a senior optical communications engineer, you will need the following expertise and experience:
  • MS or PhD. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 7 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
  • Knowledge of telecommunications standards and industry best practices associated
  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.
  • Ability to lead space flight hardware builds.
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools
  • Developing and setting requirements and design tolerances
  • Experience with high-speed electrical circuits and radio frequency systems.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity
Desired Qualifications:
  • Expertise in free space optical communications systems, link budgets, waveforms, standards.
  • Understanding of opto-mechanical, thermo-optic tolerance and stability.
  • Experience in position navigation and tracking technologies.
  • Pointing and tracking expertise.
  • Strong background in signal processing
  • Strong background in sensors and electronics designs
  • Aerospace industry experience.
Please apply today for this Herndon-based optical communications engineer role.
APPLICANTS MUST HOLD US CITIZENSHIP.
Job Summary
Company
Fibertek, Inc.
Employment Term
Regular
Employment Type
Full Time
Salary and Benefits
Paid time off such as PTO, Health insurance, Life insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Retirement benefits or accounts, Healthcare spending or reimbursement accounts, such as FSAs, Long term disability insurance, Short term disability insurance, Tuition assistance, Wellness programs, Employee recognition programs, Relocation assistance, Commuting/travel assistance, Telecommuting options, Workplace perks such as recreation activities, food and coffee, and flexible work schedules!
Required Education
Master's Degree
Required Experience
7 to 20+ years
Why Fibertek, Inc?At FIBERTEK, Inc. we pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment with minimal bureaucracy. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.
Fibertek, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Applicants are considered regardless of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.
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About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

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