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Optical Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Zayo Group, LLC

Network Engineer II - Optical

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$61K - $94K/yr

Creates Engineering Design Packages that are discernible by Operations personnel. * Provide timely ... Secure quotes from our optical vendors, orders equipment, moves equipment from inventory to the ...

SAIC

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Provide engineering for optical circuit design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting efforts * Perform technical evaluation of vendor documentation, including network designs and technical ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Landmark AOS delivers critical Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) expertise to the ... Experience with Electro-Optical systems, including tasking, command & control, collection, mission ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from ... Imaging Sensor Optical Design * Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar ...

NSS

Solid-State Laser Scientist / Lead

Herndon, VA · On-site

Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists * Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum * Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams

TalentRemedy

Purple Squirrel

Herndon, VA · On-site

$185K - $238K/yr

You spend an hour reviewing a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) update. You're looking for the "hidden" risks: Will this optical coating degrade under the specific radiation profile of this ...

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Optical Engineering information

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$21

$51

$115

How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Virginia is $51.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.33 and $82.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical engineering?

Optical engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, development, and application of optical systems and devices, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. Optical engineers use knowledge of physics and materials science to manipulate light and create products that rely on light and vision technologies. This field is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical imaging, consumer electronics, and aerospace. Optical engineers often work on improving performance, efficiency, and functionality of optical components and systems.

What are some common challenges optical engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop complex products such as cameras, sensors, or fiber optic systems. A common challenge is effectively communicating highly technical optical concepts to colleagues from other disciplines who may not share the same background. This requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to ensure design requirements are understood and integrated smoothly. Additionally, balancing optical performance with cost, manufacturability, and system constraints can be demanding but also provides valuable experience for career growth.

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 deep understanding of 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 essential, and certifications like Certified Optical Engineer can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and translate technical concepts. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and improving optical systems that meet precise technical and commercial requirements.

What is the difference between Optical Engineering vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineeringOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related area
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, manufacturing companiesManufacturing floors, assembly lines, testing labs
Job FocusDesigning optical systems, developing new technologiesAssembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defense

Optical engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and specialized skills. Optical technicians support these efforts by assembling and testing optical components, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems used in telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and related software tools. Employment opportunities are expected to increase as industries continue to adopt advanced optical technologies.

What can you do with an optical engineering degree?

An optical engineering degree prepares individuals for roles designing and developing optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. Graduates often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics, utilizing skills in optics, physics, and computer-aided design. Certification and hands-on experience with optical simulation tools can enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineering jobs in Virginia?

For Optical Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineering jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Optical Engineering job openings:

Optical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,072 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Optical Transport Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 225 rated it services

Job description


SAIC has an immediate opening for a Long-Haul Network Engineer with a background in Information Technology (IT) Network Engineering and Project Management to oversee the cost, schedule, and performance activities associated with procurement of Commercial Carrier long-haul circuits. The successful applicant will participate within a team of Systems Engineers and Technical Advisors (SETAs) overseeing the design, delivery, enhancement, and recapitalization of a large-scale, physical layer infrastructure. Ability to travel is a requirement of this position.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
The successful candidate must be able to:
  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed, high-capacity optical communications systems and equipment
  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed switching layer (SONET, Carrier Ethernet) technologies and architectures
  • Demonstrate a working level knowledge of installation and integration of fiber optic telecommunications systems
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform requirements analysis, schedule reviews, and cost estimations
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct risk assessments and analysis of current and proposed architectures
  • Develop circuit specifications, test methodologies, and exercise testing techniques to verify that circuits meet all required specifications
  • Provide engineering for optical circuit design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting efforts
  • Perform technical evaluation of vendor documentation, including network designs and technical details
  • Review daily assessment reports of network health and performance, and provide technical guidance to operations personnel and vendors as necessary to resolve network performance issues
  • Independently interact with network and transport services providers to resolve network anomalies and performance issues
  • Serve as Transport Services site liaison for various locations
  • Update the configuration management database for the customer's transport network
  • Successfully work independently, as well as within team dynamics

Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. Work experience in the areas detailed in the Description of Duties of more than eleven (11) years in lieu of a degree may be considered
  • 10-years' experience with high-speed Terrestrial Telecommunications systems
  • PMP certification is a plus, but not required
  • ITIL certification is a plus, but not required
  • Active Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with current poly

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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