Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Principal Optical Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design, integration, and validation of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across the full product lifecycle, from early lab prototyping through fielded deployment. This role blends hands-on laboratory work, optical design, and system integration, supporting rapid development efforts for next-generation sensing and imaging systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical lead for optical systems, supporting development from concept through prototype, integration, and transition to production.
• Perform Detection, Recognition, Identification (DRI) analysis to evaluate EO/IR system performance in operational environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software, systems) to integrate sensors and optical subsystems into larger platforms.
• Build, align, and test benchtop optical prototypes, validating performance against requirements.
• Operate and expand a laboratory environment for optical testing and characterization, including use of integrating spheres, collimators, and alignment stations.
• Conduct sensor characterization across multiple spectral bands, including visible, near IR (NIR), shortwave IR (SWIR), midwave IR (MWIR), and longwave IR (LWIR).
• Perform precision alignment of optical systems using laser-based techniques.
• Define system-level requirements and select optical components such as lenses, sensors, lasers, stabilization systems, and displays.
• Develop and optimize optical designs using Zemax, including tolerance analysis and performance modeling.
• Support stray light analysis and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Verify and test optical hardware delivered from vendors to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Generate technical documentation and clearly communicate results to internal stakeholders and external partners.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in the optical design field.
• Experience in laboratory environments, including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting, and laboratory testing.
• Design experience incorporating HD visible sensors, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR sensors with optical assemblies.
• Experience modeling sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition, and identification of objects.
• Knowledge of techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM).
• Experience specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems.
• Experience designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax.
• A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% to support project needs.
• Must have active Secret or higher level clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience modeling sensor systems in the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model.
• Experience mentoring junior optical engineers.
• Experience with hyperspectral systems.
• Technical writing and presentation skills.
• Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems.

Work Environment

The role is primarily located at the Lorton, VA facility with 25% or more travel to Fort locations for customer engagements. The work environment involves hands-on lab work and system-level ownership, providing exposure to cutting-edge EO/IR and sensing technologies and the opportunity to influence programs from early concept to fielded capability.

This is a Permanent position based out of Lorton, VA.

The pay range for this position is $180000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

Our client offers a well-rounded, competitive benefits package. Employees have access to multiple medical plan options (including PPO and Kaiser in the DC/NoVA area), along with dental, vision, HSA/FSA, and mental health support, with the company subsidizing a portion of premiums. They also provide a 401(k) with employer match, life and disability coverage, and additional voluntary benefits like pet insurance and legal support. From a work-life standpoint, there’s solid PTO, paid holidays, and flexibility depending on the program, plus tuition reimbursement and career development support.

This is a hybrid position in Lorton,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.