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Optical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems ...

TalentRemedy

Firmware Engineer

Herndon, VA

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 ...

SAIC

Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer provides technical expertise and systems engineering support ... The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems ...

SAIC

Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

A breadth of engineering expertise building real world high-speed, electro-optical systems is needed. Excellent communications skills are critical for success. The successful candidate requires ...

Psionic, LLC

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA

A breadth of engineering expertise building real world high-speed, electro-optical systems is needed. Excellent communications skills are critical for success. The successful candidate requires ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

A breadth of engineering expertise building real world high-speed, electro-optical systems is needed. Excellent communications skills are critical for success. The successful candidate requires ...

NSS

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Herndon, VA

Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists * Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum * Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams

MAG Aerospace

Systems Engineer III

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Recommend approaches to implement electro optic (EO) system level components into prototypes capable of achieving user requirements. * Applies system engineering principles and procedures to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Optical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$82.3K

$142.4K

$167.1K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 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.

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 does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,379 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Optical Installer

MOMENTUM CONTROLS SOFTWARE AND SERVICES USA INC.

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are hiring for Optical Installation Engineer/Optical Installer (L2 or Higher) as part of building a strong ecosystem for a Tier 1 product company with whom we are a Global technology partner.

Below is a quick overview of the role’s benefits and responsibilities:

Job Locations: Seattle, WA | Atlanta, GA | Chicago, IL | Omaha, NE | Kansas City, MO | Ashburn, VA | Denver, CO | Los Angeles, CA | Las Vegas, NV | Salt Lake City, UT | St. Louis, MO

Role Highlights:

  • 40 hours per week, with paid overtime
  • 90-100% travel required
  • Paid downtime and federal holidays
  • Up to 10 business days of PTO
  • Health insurance, including dental and vision

Required Skills & Experience:

  • You’ll be part of a field team handling DWDM/ Optical site installations and commissioning.
  • Grounding, power cabling (DCDB/breakers), rack/shelf setup, Fiber cleaning, OTDR & BER testing
  • Site coordination for access, clearances, and material verification
  • Cabling, labelling, routing, terminations, and basic turn-up
  • Enabling remote commissioning and preparing handover documentation
  • Conducting node acceptance, including 100G testing
  • Troubleshooting to minimize downtime and support handover with customers.
  • Comfortable traveling extensively and able to work independently
  • Safety and quality compliance knowledge is a plus

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