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Optical Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Optomechanical Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site +1

$95K - $125K/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 ...

Fibertek

Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Optical Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$85.8K

$148.5K

$174.2K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $148,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,400.00 and $172,600.00 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
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,462 per year, or $71.4 per hour.
2026 Graduate - Optics & Photonics Engineer/Scientist

2026 Graduate - Optics & Photonics Engineer/Scientist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you want to explore a career in optics and photonics?
Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and development projects?
Are you looking for a job that allows you to do both software based data analysis as well as hands on laboratory experimentation?
If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline and want to apply your expertise to optics and photonics research applications, we'd love to have you join our team!
We are a team of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on the development of innovative solutions to our nation's critical challenges. We seek to drive technology advances in a variety of applications including remote sensing, rf photonics, optical communications, optical system design, high energy laser systems, applied spectroscopy, optical materials characterization, and advanced photonic technologies (including leveraging FPGA and digital design tools for photonic-based systems). Our team values include respect, communication, and technical and professional integrity. We strive to foster an environment in which we can have spirited technical discussions that drive towards truly innovative solutions.
As an associate professional staff member in the Optics and Photonics Group...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to support projects as an individual technical contributor. Examples of this include using software tools to develop modeling and simulation capabilities, setting up experiments and collecting data in various optical laboratories, and performing data analysis.
  • You will collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex problems for our sponsors.
  • You will make an impact by detailing work into formal and informal technical reports including, presentations, conference proceedings, and journal articles.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • Are interested in exploring a career in one or more of the following areas: Remote Sensing, Optical Communications, Optical System Design, High Energy Laser systems and technologies, Applied Spectroscopy, Optical Materials Characterization, or Advanced Photonics, FPGA development or digital design.
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Are willing and able to work on site at APL and travel occasionally in support of meetings, workshops and reviews with government sponsors, contractors, vendors, and field tests.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have directly relevant experience in a hands on laboratory environment.
  • Are proficient in python and matlab.
  • Have established yourself in the technical community through journal and conference publications and involvement in professional societies.
  • Hold a current Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain higher-level clearances.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
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.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$165,000 Annually

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