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Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$80K - $145K/yr

As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom design, hand-on building space flight optical ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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 Technical Advisory ...

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

Job Title Optical Communication Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. In ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. In ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. In ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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 ...

Zayo Group, LLC

Network Engineer III - Optical

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$77K - $118K/yr

Our Network Engineer III - Optical is also responsible for effectively communicating with internal order management personnel and various internal teams on the progress of the capacity fulfillment as ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Washington

Optical Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$94K

$162.7K

$190.8K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Washington is $162,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,100.00 and $189,100.00 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
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What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in WA? For Optical Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you

Optical Network Test Engineer

CompQsoft Inc. - ACTIVE

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$143K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Title: Optical Network Test Engineer

Location: Fort Meade MD

Clearance required by project: Active DOD Secret


Requirements:

Role Description:

COMPQSOFT Inc. is seeking an Optical Network Test Engineer to augment our DISA test team at Fort Meade, MD. The candidate will function as a subject matter expert (SME) in testing existing and new optical network equipment for the DOD’s transport network. The candidate will work developing test cases, test reports and implementation plans in evaluating engineering architecture, new technologies and approaches to unique engineering problems. Candidate will also function as a Tier III Optical engineer assisting Tier II engineers and vendors to provide solutions to resolve real world Optical network issues.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks:

Optical testing:

Analyze new/old optical transport equipment functionality and interoperability amongst various transport networks (Optical Transport Networks (OTN), Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Ethernet) and cryptographic equipment.

Operate various Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) test equipment in support of equipment testing.

Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plans based on equipment testing.

Perform interoperability testing between different vendors OTN equipment.

Perform interoperability testing between edge devices and OTN equipment.

Determine and provide Recommendations with supporting documentation for new equipment to be deployed not deployed in the operational network. Brief the group leads on project status.

Tier III Support:

Work with DISA Tier II optical engineers to identify, track, and develop solutions to complex network problems.

Mock-up equipment problems in the Test Lab to reproduce the problem and work toward a solution.

Engineering support:

Analyze new Optical transport equipment. Determine/identify functional capabilities of new equipment.

Provide SME support in identifying equipment capabilities.

Required Experience/Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree is preferred

Security+ certification or equivalent 8570 IAT II certification.(Should be able to obtain within 3 months from joining)

5 + years of Optical systems engineering experience configuring, testing, designing, implementing, or troubleshooting telecommunication networks.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to collaborate test plans and reports with Government and equipment vendors.

Able to work with strict deadlines.

Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office suite to include Word, Excel, and Visio technical drawing program.

Ability to work along with no or little assistance to complete equipment testing.

Ability to work in a group to achieve the common goal to resolve complex network issues.

Extensive knowledge of Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technologies.

Experience with SONET, DWDM, Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and Ethernet technologies.

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