Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Do you love to apply complex scientific concepts to real world applications?

Are you searching for meaningful work in remote sensing?

Are you hoping to join a dynamic and innovative team?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a motivated experienced scientist or engineer to help us advance our work in remote sensing, laser systems, and novel EO/IR instrumentation. As a member of the Optics and Photonics Group, your work will help inform decision makers in the defense community to solve our nation’s critical challenges. You will contribute to system modeling and model validation through real-world data collection, data analysis and prototype system development. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who enjoy working hands‑on in the lab and in the field. We are passionate about applying optics and photonics technology to high-impact next‑generation applications in sensing, communications, kinetic effects and non‑kinetic warfare. Our team is committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere as we work across a multi‑faceted set of skillsets and backgrounds to solve complex challenges.

• Your primary responsibilities will include identifying and executing technical courses of action to meet mission requirements. This may include modeling, data analysis, hardware development, and laboratory and field experimentation.
• You will mentor and train other staff members to continue building world‑class expertise.
• You will simulate and test EO/IR sensors and systems, performing radiometric analyses in real-world settings.
• You will work with systems engineers across the lab to understand mission requirements and research ways to improve them.
• You will make an impact by detailing work into formal and informal technical reports, including presentations, conference proceedings, and journal articles.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you …

• Possess a B.S. or M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, optics, or a related field.
• Have a minimum of 5 years experience in the modeling/simulation, development, and characterization of EO/IR sensors and systems.
• Possess strong teaming skills and have demonstrated experience working across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems.
• Have strong oral and written communication skills and experience communicating key information to stakeholders through formal briefings and reports.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship.

• Have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, physics, optics or a related field.
• Have 10+ years of experience in the modeling/simulation, development, and characterization of EO/IR sensors and systems.
• Have experience in optical alignment, laser diagnostics and system prototyping.
• Have developed and fielded EO/IR sensors and systems.
• Have field test experience and an interest in travel.
• Have modeling and simulation experience in MODTRAN.
• Have experience in applied spectroscopy, laser propagation modeling and applications for remote sensing.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

$100,000 Annually

$245,000 Annually