Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Radiance Technologies, a 100% employee-owned company, is seeking candidates for a Lead Optical Systems Engineer position. The candidate will provide critical technical support and systems engineering ...
Radiance Technologies, a 100% employee-owned company, is seeking candidates for a Lead Optical Systems Engineer position. The candidate will provide critical technical support and systems engineering ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...
New
Optical Systems Engineer information
See salary details
$83K - $90.8K
0% of jobs
$90.8K - $98.5K
0% of jobs
$98.5K - $106.3K
0% of jobs
$106.3K - $114.1K
0% of jobs
$114.1K - $121.9K
0% of jobs
$126.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$121.9K - $129.6K
38% of jobs
The median wage is $133.2K / yr.
$129.6K - $137.4K
26% of jobs
$137.4K - $145.2K
0% of jobs
$145.2K - $153K
0% of jobs
$153K - $160.7K
0% of jobs
$163.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$160.7K - $168.5K
36% of jobs
$83K
$143.6K
$168.5K
How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 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?
| Aspect | Optical Systems Engineer | Optical Design Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; often certifications in optical design | Bachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in optical design software |
| Work Environment | Research labs, manufacturing, R&D departments, often cross-disciplinary teams | Design studios, R&D labs, manufacturing, focused on optical component and system design |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Optical, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, imaging industries | Optical, 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.
More about Optical Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Systems Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Optical Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Systems Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Systems Engineer jobs are:
- Electronic System Design
- Full Time Sustainable Systems Engineering
- Systems Requirements Engineer
- Senior Electro Optical Engineer
- Wireless Communication Systems Engineer
- Lead System Test Engineer
- Full Time Manufacturing Systems Engineering
- Azure Systems Engineer
- Freelance Hardware Integration Engineer
- From Home Boeing Avionics
Job description
Req Id: 145 Job Title: Electro-Optical Systems Engineer Location:
Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)
Job Description: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 for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for an experienced Electro-Optical Systems Engineer to join our 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.
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 Clearence preferred.
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