1

Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/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 ...

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/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 ...

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optical Simulation Engineer information

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 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 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 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 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:
Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

NSS

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Senior Optical Communication Engineer

Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links? Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow's advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while being empowered to make decisions in your area of expertise.

Your JobAs an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on building of space flight optical flight terminals, and leading the performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high-profile NASA and DOD missions. You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the design, fabrication, and qualification of laser communication terminals, optical modems, and optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating a multidisciplinary team of engineers to the successful completion of next generation laser communication terminals and optical modems while supporting multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.Required Skills and ExperienceTo succeed as a senior optical communications engineer, you will need the following expertise and experience:
  • MS or PhD. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 7 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
  • Knowledge of telecommunications standards and industry best practices associated
  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.
  • Ability to lead space flight hardware builds.
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools
  • Developing and setting requirements and design tolerances
  • Experience with high-speed electrical circuits and radio frequency systems.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity
Desired Qualifications:
  • Expertise in free space optical communications systems, link budgets, waveforms, standards.
  • Understanding of opto-mechanical, thermo-optic tolerance and stability.
  • Experience in position navigation and tracking technologies.
  • Pointing and tracking expertise.
  • Strong background in signal processing
  • Strong background in sensors and electronics designs
  • Aerospace industry experience.
Please apply today for this Herndon-based optical communications engineer role.
APPLICANTS MUST HOLD US CITIZENSHIP.
Job Summary
Company
Fibertek, Inc.
Employment Term
Regular
Employment Type
Full Time
Salary and Benefits
Paid time off such as PTO, Health insurance, Life insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Retirement benefits or accounts, Healthcare spending or reimbursement accounts, such as FSAs, Long term disability insurance, Short term disability insurance, Tuition assistance, Wellness programs, Employee recognition programs, Relocation assistance, Commuting/travel assistance, Telecommuting options, Workplace perks such as recreation activities, food and coffee, and flexible work schedules!
Required Education
Master's Degree
Required Experience
7 to 20+ years
Why Fibertek, Inc?At FIBERTEK, Inc. we pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment with minimal bureaucracy. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.
Fibertek, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Applicants are considered regardless of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.

NSS logo

About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Social media