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Optical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

IonQ

Optomechanical Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site +1

$95.95K - $125.62K/yr

We are looking for an Optomechanical engineer to join our Photonic Metrology team. As an ... In this role, you will be responsible for designing and validating optical and mechanical ...

Ericsson

Data Center Engineer - Ashbury

Reston, VA · On-site

About this opportunity We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Data Center Optical Engineer to lead work in customer environments and co-locations. The person in this role is responsible for ...

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Optical Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$86.5K

$149.7K

$175.6K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Reston, VA is $149,681.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,500.00 and $174,100.00 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Optical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Electro Optical Engineer

Electro Optical Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA

Other

Posted 8 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2612601
Location: Chantilly, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-05-18
Category: 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 for Remote Work: 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 Technical Advisory (SETA) expertise to the NRO's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED)-the organization responsible for designing, acquiring, and integrating the nation's most advanced space and ground systems across the full mission lifecycle.
In this role, you will serve as a trusted technical advisor driving the development and modernization of next-generation EO GEOINT mission processing capabilities. You will collaborate closely with government leaders, development contractors, and mission partners to shape resilient, high-performance solutions that directly support national security priorities.
Key Responsibilities to include:
  • Advance EO resiliency initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies, identifying vulnerabilities, and guiding mission-enhancing solutions in partnership with IC stakeholders.
  • Maintain technical cognizance across a broad GEOINT mission processing portfolio, tracking baselines, schedules, dependencies, risks, and cost drivers to ensure program success.
  • Oversee Prime Contractor development efforts, providing technical insight and ensuring software development, integration, and testing activities align with government requirements and mission objectives.
  • Advise senior and mid-level government leadership on architectural decisions, investment strategies, acquisition priorities, and risk assessments shaping the future Ground Enterprise.
  • Develop and coordinate Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for new capabilities, ensuring alignment across mission threads and stakeholder organizations.
  • Define enterprise, system, functional, performance, and interface requirements that guide the development of modern, scalable GEOINT processing applications.
  • Conduct performance assessments and deliver cost, schedule, and risk impact analyses for current and future Ground architecture implementations.
  • Evaluate vendor proposals and technical documentation, assessing design artifacts for alignment with mission needs, technical standards, and acquisition best practices.

Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree and 9+ years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 7+ years; PhD/JD and 4+ years. Relevant experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph.
  • Experience with Electro-Optical systems, including tasking, command & control, collection, mission processing, or dissemination.
  • Knowledge or understanding of AI/ML advancements relevant to EO mission processing.
  • Domain knowledge in Ground Software, Space Development Programs, or Mission Operations.
  • Experience supporting requirements development and definition activities.
  • Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information across diverse customer and corporate audiences.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office tool suite.
  • Experience as an EO GEOINT Engineer or EO Thread Lead a PLUS !

SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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