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Optical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Optical Fabrication Technician

Greenbelt, MD Β· On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Required Skills & Experience β€’ Several years of hands-on experience in optical fabrication. β€’ Experience operating and programming CNC equipment, preferably for optical fabrication. β€’ ...

HRB

Laser Communications Engineer, Senior

Washington, DC Β· On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

PhD in Physics, Electrical, Optical Engineering or related technical field Experience Required: * 12 or more years of increasing responsibility in professional engineering/scientific disciplines ...

KBR

Optical Fabrication Technician

Greenbelt, MD Β· On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Work closely with engineers and other technicians to develop fabrication approaches for new and complex optics. Maintain fabrication equipment, process documentation, and quality records. Required ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Optical Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$86.3K

$149.4K

$175.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Reston, VA is $149,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,200.00 and $173,700.00 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical engineer?

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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and defense technology. They often require strong skills in optics, laser systems, and CAD software, with employment opportunities growing as industries increasingly rely on optical technologies.

How much do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers in California typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optics design, laser systems, or photonics may offer higher salaries and additional benefits.
More about Optical Engineer jobs

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Cities near Reston, VA with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,406 per year, or $71.8 per hour.

Senior Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

Fibertek
See more jobs at Fibertekexternal

$150K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

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 for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Research and Development Division in Herndon, VA.

As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on building of space flight optical flight terminals, and leading the performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high-profile NASA and DOD missions.

You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the design, fabrication, and qualification of laser communication terminals, optical modems, and optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating a multidisciplinary team of engineers to the successful completion of next generation laser communication terminals and optical modems while supporting multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.MS or PhD. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 7 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems

Knowledge of telecommunications standards and industry best practices associated Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance. Ability to lead space flight hardware builds. Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools Developing and setting requirements and design tolerances Experience with high-speed electrical circuits and radio frequency systems.

Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-$210,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.MS or PhD

in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 7 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems. Knowledge of telecommunications standards and industry best practices associated Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance. Ability to lead space flight hardware builds.

Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools Developing and setting requirements and design tolerances Experience with high-speed electrical circuits and radio frequency systems. Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-$210,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role.

Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.

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