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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

Senior Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

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 ...

MAG Aerospace

Systems Engineer III

Fort Belvoir, VA

$100K - $180K/yr

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

SAIC

Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems ...

TalentRemedy

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$142K - $174K/yr

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams of optical, mechanical, software, and systems engineers to develop next-generation laser, sensing, and remote sensing technologies for demanding ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI ... ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Electro-Optical (EO) Engineer to join Landmark AOS, SAIC ...

Zayo Group, LLC

Network Engineer III - Optical

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$77K - $118K/yr

Zayo is seeking a Network Engineer III - Optical who will be responsible for designing, link ... Maintains specific customer commitments and deadlines in the Zayo (Salesforce or future system used ...

Fibertek

Systems Integrator / Test Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

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 ...

SAIC

Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems ...

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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 Jul 15, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,379 per year, or $68.5 per hour.
Satellite Requirements Systems Engineer

Satellite Requirements Systems Engineer

Science Applications International Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 210 rated it services

Job description


SAIC is seeking a Satellite Systems Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support the NRO Electro-Optical System Program Office (ESPO). Qualified candidates must possess demonstrated systems engineering expertise in requirements management, traceability, and verification. The successful candidate must also have strong working knowledge across a wide variety of Electro-Optical satellite designs, functional, and performance capabilities. The candidate must be able to work both independently and in a team-based environment.
Key duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Directly support ESPO as the office responsible for the design, development, manufacturing, integration & test, and launch & initialization of Electro-Optical satellites for the NRO.
  • Represent ESPO equities by providing verification evidence for Enterprise requirements allocated to the program office.
  • Lead in managing requirements development, traceability, and verification planning & execution. Responsible for ensuring compliance to interfaces and standards or ensure appropriate deviations/waivers are in place.
  • Evaluate system and subsystem designs to ensure compliance to program requirements.
  • Participate in various engineering analysis, including assessing power, weight, thermal control, and other space vehicle design constraints as the design matures. Identify technical design risks and support development of corrective action plans.
  • Support Prime contractor and Enterprise stakeholders in developing and implementing various model-based systems engineering products (CONOPS, ICDs, Test Plans, Functional Decompositions, etc.).
  • Assist with acquisition planning, documentation, and Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) evaluations. Assist, as needed, in Government source selections and the technical evaluation of satellite provider proposals.
  • Work in an interactive team environment with Government customer leads, commercial satellite developers, and other subject matter experts.

Qualifications
  • BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering, or similar technical discipline and 9 years or more experience; Masters and 7 or PhD and 4.
  • 7+years of experience working on satellite programs and experience managing requirement development, analysis, decomposition, and allocation.
  • Have strong familiarity with electro-optical system & subsystem functionality, performance, and product data.
  • Proficiency with DOORS, MS Office products, and Confluence.
  • Working knowledge of MBSE tools and data structures, including CAMEO and SysML.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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