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Optical Scientist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$200K - $240K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems ...

ManTech

Expert Electro-Optical Imagery Scientist

Springfield, VA · On-site

$179K - $318K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Expert Electro-Optical Imagery Scientist to join our team in Springfield, VA . This is a full-time onsite position. Responsibilities include ...

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems ...

KBR

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD

$62K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role involves installing, aligning, calibrating, and verifying optical instruments, components, and precision assemblies used in spacecraft and scientific missions. Key Responsibilities

KBR, Inc.

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role involves installing, aligning, calibrating, and verifying optical instruments, components, and precision assemblies used in spacecraft and scientific missions. Key Responsibilities

ManTech

Electro-Optical Imagery Scientist

Springfield, VA · On-site

$91K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Electro-Optical Imagery Scientist to join our team in Springfield, VA . This is a full-time onsite position. Responsibilities include but are ...

Pae

Optical Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$146K - $189K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We also provide material science for materials with superior thermal, mechanical and optical properties. Amentum has supported the Optics Division since 1977. Work Schedule: 9-5/40 Hour Week ...

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Optical Scientist information

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How much do optical scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical scientist in Washington is $24.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical scientist do?

An Optical Scientist researches and develops technologies related to the behavior and manipulation of light. They work in fields like telecommunications, healthcare, defense, and manufacturing, applying principles of optics, physics, and engineering to solve complex problems. Their work often involves designing optical systems, developing new imaging techniques, or enhancing laser technologies. Optical Scientists may also collaborate with engineers and researchers to create cutting-edge optical devices for practical applications.

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

To thrive as an Optical Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree such as a Master's or Ph.D. Expertise with laser systems, optical simulation software (like Zemax or Code V), and laboratory instrumentation is commonly required in this role. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative skills help Optical Scientists excel in multidisciplinary research and development teams. These abilities are vital for advancing innovative optical technologies, solving complex problems, and driving successful project outcomes.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Scientist jobs in Washington?

For Optical Scientist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Scientist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Scientist jobs in Washington are:

Optical Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Scientist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,363 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Senior Scientist - Optical Signal Processing

STR

Arlington, VA • On-site

$139K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the Team:

The Maritime Domain Awareness Group (MDA) develops and delivers advanced signal processing algorithms and techniques for airborne radar and passive optical systems.

MDA fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and execution. We develop and analyze cutting edge algorithms for detection and exploitation of signals in high clutter and noise environments using both classical, physics-based approaches, and big data-driven artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques. If you are seeking an opportunity to apply your deep technical knowledge and creativity in a fast-paced, challenging environment to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us.

The Role:

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to develop state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for airborne passive optical systems for the purpose of detection and exploitation of targets with low signal to noise ratios. You will apply first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic environments to develop a deep understanding of clutter environments and then apply that knowledge to develop all relevant components of the signal processing chain from the raw sensor data to the target classification.

What you will do:

  • Work closely with program leadership to spearhead efforts that align with program and company priorities
  • Conceive, prototype, test, and mature image processing algorithms for critical national security missions
  • Document and present products to a community of scientists and subject matter experts

Who You Are:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
  • BA, or MS in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline
  • 3-5+ years of relevant work experience
  • Expertise in two or more of the following areas:
    • Signal processing, Fourier analysis, linear estimation, optimization, adaptive signal processing, AI/ML algorithm development, algorithm development, modeling & simulation, systems engineering, optics modelling
  • Experience building and delivering technical briefs to peers, senior level executives, and customers
  • Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
  • Experienced researcher and team member who is excited to work with mission partners to leverage cutting-edge technology and research for immediate impact
  • Excellent communicator and briefer, who is comfortable communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Strong mathematical, written, and verbal communication skills

Even Better:

  • Active Secret or TS/SCI Clearance
  • Demonstrated leadership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts
  • Experience with:
    • Passive optical technologies in the defense sector, particularly airborne, downward-looking sensors
    • Computer vision techniques such as feature identification/matching/tracking, optical flow, background subtraction, etc
    • Interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into an end-to-end solution
  • Demonstrated ability to conceive, prototype, test, and mature novel algorithms for challenging sensors

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $139,000 - $180,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

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