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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$80K - $145K/yr

Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based ... Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as ...

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/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 ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select appropriate components ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select appropriate components ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select appropriate components ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Simulation Engineer JobsOptical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$94K

$162.7K

$190.8K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Washington, DC is $162,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,100.00 and $189,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Washington, DC?

For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $162,653 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Thermal and EO/IR Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you looking for a unique opportunity to impact significant advances to the nation's groundbreaking integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) systems?
Are you an engineer driven to expand your skills in order to solve both current and emerging needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC)?
Would you like to join a team of skilled engineers and scientists to advance thermal and Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) modeling and simulation capabilities?
If so, then we are looking for someone like you to join the Thermal and Aerospace Engineering group at APL!
We are seeking a creative, driven, and motivated engineer to join our dynamic group which provides outstanding engineering services and products. You'll be joining a hardworking team of people who strive to address broad challenges for programs of national importance. As a member of our team you will collaborate, contribute, and innovate to further our capabilities against rapid proliferation of adversarial systems.
As a Thermal and EO/IR Modeling and Simulation Engineer, you will...
  • Develop physics-based thermal models of missiles, rocket motor plumes, air platforms, and other relevant systems to support multiple programs, including IAMD.
  • Integrate thermal results with optical characteristics using cutting-edge modeling and simulation toolkits to predict EO/IR signatures of various systems in exo- and endo-atmospheric environments, including coupling with relevant background scenes.
  • Interact with various domain authorities to grow your knowledge base related to overall weapon systems, and apply that knowledge to improve analysis methodologies.
  • Collaborate with senior developers to improve existing code suites, with the goal of maintaining our teams status as a leading authority in the EO/IR signature community.
  • Compare predictions with wind tunnel, laboratory, flight test data, and literature.
  • Work both independently and as part of a team to craft exploratory studies to characterize the impacts of specific phenomena on various weapon systems' performance.
  • Document and present findings to government agencies and sponsors.

Qualifications
You'll meet the qualifications for the job if you have...
  • A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace engineering (or a related field) combined with 5+ years of experience, or a Master's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace engineering (or a related field) combined with 3+ years of experience
  • Relevant professional experience in physics-based modeling and simulation in one of the following areas: heat transfer, radiation transport, aerothermodynamics, infrared signatures
  • Experience with programming/coding/scripting using tools such as Python, MATLAB, C++, or Shell
  • Preferred experience using Linux based computing environments
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • A history of meaningful contributions to multidisciplinary teams on a variety of engineering problems
  • The ability to acquire an Interim Secret security clearance prior to your start date, and ultimately obtain a final Secret security clearance. If selected for the position, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation, and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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