ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. In ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. In ...

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and ... Physics, Optical engineering or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years ...

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 ... Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and ...

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 ... Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on building of space flight ...

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 ... Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on building of space flight ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of ... Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on building of space flight ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of ... Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on building of space flight ...

MAG Aerospace

Systems Engineer III

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Recommend approaches to implement electro optic (EO) system level components into prototypes capable of achieving user requirements. * Applies system engineering principles and procedures to ...

Fibertek

Systems Integrator / Test Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Systems Engineer JobsOptical Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Optical Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$82.3K

$142.4K

$167.1K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems engineer in Virginia is $142,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Optical Systems Engineers?

Optical Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and optimize systems that use light, such as cameras, telescopes, lasers, and fiber optic communication devices. They apply principles of optics, physics, and engineering to create solutions for imaging, sensing, and transmitting information. Their work often involves selecting components, modeling optical performance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate optical technologies into larger systems. Optical Systems Engineers are essential in industries like aerospace, telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

What types of projects and teams do Optical Systems Engineers typically work with, and how does collaboration factor into daily responsibilities?

Optical Systems Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers and manufacturing specialists. Their daily responsibilities usually involve designing, testing, and optimizing optical components or systems, such as lenses, lasers, or imaging devices. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they must integrate optical solutions with other engineering domains and ensure all system requirements are met. Collaborative problem-solving and regular cross-functional meetings are common, making strong interpersonal skills valuable in this role.

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

AspectOptical Systems EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; often certifications in optical designBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in optical design software
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departments, often cross-disciplinary teamsDesign studios, R&D labs, manufacturing, focused on optical component and system design
Employer & Industry UsageOptical, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, imaging industriesOptical, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense, medical devices

Optical Systems Engineers focus on integrating optical components into complete systems, ensuring functionality and performance. Optical Design Engineers primarily develop and optimize individual optical components and assemblies. Both roles require strong optical knowledge, but their focus differs from system integration to component design.

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

To thrive as an Optical Systems Engineer, you need strong knowledge in optics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory measurement instruments is often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and solving complex problems. These skills and qualifications ensure precise system design, efficient troubleshooting, and successful project outcomes in the development of advanced optical technologies.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Optical Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,379 per year, or $68.5 per hour.
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

TalentRemedy

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Description Our client is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. They are looking for an experienced Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to join the R&D team in Herndon, VA. As the Electro-Optical Systems Engineer, you must demonstrate a working knowledge of developmental test processes, test set-ups and systems integration.

Additionally, you must demonstrate the ability to identify and understand technological risks and to implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure program success. You will be leading the implementation from the ground up of formalized and rigorous systems engineering processes, practices, tools, and disciplines. Duties and Responsibilities: Work in cross-functional teams with Program Managers, scientists, and engineers to develop new technologies and laser systems.

System level oversight of product development including review and approval of system and subsystem requirements, decomposition of requirements and allocation to system, subsystem, and component levels. Prepare Systems Engineering Master Plans (SEMP) and other technical documentation. Reduce customer specifications and technical governing documents into design and test requirements, track compliance and verification through design, assembly, integration, and test completion.

Maintain and manage requirements baselines including traceability between system, subsystem, and component specifications through a formal requirements management process. Maintain and manage internal and external interfaces through a formal interface management process. Perform technology assessments and trade studies.

Conduct risk assessments and analysis. Plan and conduct investigations and develop solutions to resolve technical issues. Develop test processes, test equipment designs, test configuration set-ups and systems integration using proven methodologies and techniques.

Design and support the execution of system and subsystem verification testing. Support bid and proposal efforts and assist in the development of new business. Requirements Experience and Expertise Required: A bachelor's degree in engineering, system engineering or optics, with a master's degree preferred.

A minimum of 10 to 15 years of relevant experience. Experience in Systems Engineering with an emphasis in requirements development, test planning, test documentation, and systems integration, verification, and validation. Experience developing and managing system and subsystem requirements flow down.

Demonstrated ability to lead and implement systems engineering best practices and tools from the ground up. Experience with systems engineering and requirements management software tools and model-based systems engineering (MBSE). Ability to effectively communicate technical results and report problems through written and/or graphical formats.

Experience with space-based, electro-optical hardware is a plus. U.S. citizenship is required

Secret or Top Secret Clearance preferred. Benefits Our client offers a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. They do not engage in nor permit any discrimination in the workplace.

Apply