ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as ... engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands-on designing, building, and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Simulate laser parameters with Excel or Zemax. * Interpret stray light analysis and generate ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related field * 15+ years of experience in optical ...

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Job Title Optical Communication Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary ... Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of ... Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of ... Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Simulation Engineer JobsOptical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Optical Simulation Engineer information

What is an Optical Simulation Engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What are the main challenges an Optical Simulation Engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Optical Simulation Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:
Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Model, Simulation, & Analysis Engineer

Model, Simulation, & Analysis Engineer

Stratos Solutions

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) Engineer

Target Labor Category: Junior
Position Location: Chantilly, VA (Customer Site)
Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Polygraph

Position Overview

Stratos Solutions has an opportunity for a Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) Engineer to support an Intelligence Community (IC) Space customer in Chantilly, VA. The selected candidate will operate in a collaborative engineering and peer review environment studying and analyzing complex space-domain problems to inform mission and acquisition decision-making.

This role supports mission-focused modeling, simulation, and technical analysis efforts delivering data-driven recommendations and technical insight to government stakeholders. The successful candidate will perform detailed system-level and phenomenology analyses across satellite, ground, and space communication architectures, contributing to performance assessments and forward-looking analytic roadmaps.

If you are passionate about applying analytical rigor to complex space systems and delivering actionable mission insight, we encourage you to apply.

About Stratos Solutions

Stratos Solutions delivers mission-focused engineering, acquisition, and operations support to the Intelligence Community and national security space enterprise. As an employee-owned company, Stratos combines technical excellence, operational agility, and a deep commitment to customer mission success. Our teams work at the forefront of space and intelligence innovation supporting programs critical to national security.

Responsibilities

The MS&A Engineer will support the development, execution, and documentation of modeling, simulation, and technical analysis activities across space-domain systems.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Orbital & Flight Dynamics Analysis

  • Perform orbital mechanics modeling and simulation activities including orbit determination, orbital maneuver analysis, and spacecraft flight dynamics assessments.

  • Support mission trajectory analysis and performance trade studies.

Communications & Link Analysis

  • Perform link budget, latency, and throughput analyses for RF, optical relay, and space-to-ground telecommunications systems.

  • Assess performance of space-based communication architectures under varying operational conditions.

Payload & Phenomenology Assessment

  • Conduct assessments of satellite payload sensor phenomenology (optical, radar, RF) and associated product quality.

  • Evaluate system-level impacts of payload design decisions on mission performance.

System Performance & Technical Analysis

  • Assess end-to-end system designs against Required Performance Parameters (RPPs).

  • Identify and evaluate Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).

  • Support engineering trade studies and analytic investigations across space and ground architectures.

Documentation & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Develop MS&A supporting documentation including:

    • Terms of reference

    • Study plans

    • Modeling assumptions

    • Data inputs/outputs

    • Analytic results and visualizations

    • Conclusions and recommendations

  • Present analytic findings to government and contractor stakeholders.

  • Advise leadership on forward-looking and follow-on studies to support long-term analytic roadmaps.

Required QualificationsEducation & Clearance

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field)

  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Technical & Functional Skills

  • 2+ years of relevant experience in modeling, simulation, or engineering analysis

  • Experience using one or more of the following tools or technologies:

    • C++

    • Python

    • R

    • SQL / PostgreSQL

    • Linux

    • MATLAB

    • VBA

    • Systems Tool Kit (STK)

  • Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing technical data sets

  • Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Desired Skills / Qualifications

  • Experience with free space optical and optical space-to-ground systems

  • Experience integrating MS&A and MBSE data sets using SysML

  • Experience developing or maintaining MBSE models

  • Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or similar platforms

  • Experience developing and maintaining MS&A tools or analytic software

  • Familiarity with space mission performance assessment within IC or DoD programs