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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 ...

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 · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

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

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

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 ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$164K - $213K/yr

Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal ... Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal ... Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ...

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Optical Scientist information

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$63

How much do optical scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,363 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Electro-Optical Data Scientist/Imagery Scientist with Security Clearance

NorthHill Technology Resources

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Electro-Optical (EO) Data Scientist Specialist / Imagery Scientist to join a high-performing team supporting advanced AI and machine learning initiatives for complex national security and intelligence missions. This program focuses on evaluating AI models against Government datasets to assess their performance, resilience, and robustness across a broad range of adversarial scenarios. The effort also includes testing and validating autonomous algorithms designed to support operational decision-making in dynamic mission environments. As an EO Exploitation Specialist / Imagery Scientist, you will leverage your expertise in Electro-Optical imagery, geospatial analysis, and multi-INT exploitation to support the curation, analysis, and preparation of imagery datasets used for machine learning model development, testing, and evaluation. You will work alongside engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts to ensure imagery products are representative, mission-relevant, and optimized for AI/ML applications. Required Qualifications
Active TS/SCI clearance with eligibility for CI Polygraph (we can sponsor your CI poly if you don't already have one)
Experience exploiting Electro-Optical (EO) imagery and EO analytical products in support of intelligence or geospatial missions.
Experience conducting multi-INT analysis and integrating data from multiple intelligence disciplines to support mission objectives.
Proficiency working with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured datasets using programming, scripting, and visualization tools.
Strong geospatial analysis skills and the ability to apply emerging technologies, analytical methodologies, and data-driven techniques to solve complex intelligence challenges.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing or applying machine learning (ML) and computer vision (CV) techniques to overhead imagery, motion imagery, or other geospatial datasets.
Familiarity with AI/ML workflows supporting imagery exploitation, object detection, and model evaluation.
Key Responsibilities
Leverage multi-INT data, with an emphasis on Electro-Optical (EO) imagery, to identify, curate, and prepare imagery collected from emerging sensor platforms for AI/ML model development, testing, evaluation, and accreditation.
Curate imagery that aligns with Government priorities by selecting datasets containing required objects of interest, geographic coverage, scene characteristics, and other operationally relevant attributes.
Evaluate the capabilities and limitations of emerging EO sensors and recommend data curation strategies that maximize dataset quality, diversity, and operational value.
Identify data gaps and recommend additional collections or complementary data sources to develop representative datasets that support robust machine learning model evaluation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure curated imagery meets quality standards and is optimized for advanced analytics, AI/ML development, and mission execution.

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