Optical Communication Engineer
$80K - $145K/yr
Job duties: As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and ... Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and ...
$80K - $145K/yr
Job duties: As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and ... Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and ...
$80K - $145K/yr
Job duties: As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and ... Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Hanover, MD · On-site
$114K - $182K/yr
As part of Ciena's Optical Systems Product Line Management organization, this role drives the strategy, definition, and lifecycle execution of industryleading optical systems. The position influences ...
Hanover, MD · On-site
$114K - $182K/yr
As part of Ciena's Optical Systems Product Line Management organization, this role drives the strategy, definition, and lifecycle execution of industryleading optical systems. The position influences ...
Laurel, MD · On-site
Description Do you like to work with sophisticated electro-optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting-edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a ...
Laurel, MD · On-site
Description Do you like to work with sophisticated electro-optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting-edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a ...
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$82K - $91K/yr
Support the planning, setup, and execution of optical metrology and alignment operations utilizing laser-based metrology systems and optical instrumentation. * Collect, analyze, and interpret ...
Quick apply
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$82K - $91K/yr
Support the planning, setup, and execution of optical metrology and alignment operations utilizing laser-based metrology systems and optical instrumentation. * Collect, analyze, and interpret ...
Laurel, MD · On-site
$128K - $166K/yr
Description Do you like to work with sophisticated electro-optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting-edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a ...
Laurel, MD · On-site
$128K - $166K/yr
Description Do you like to work with sophisticated electro-optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting-edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a ...
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$62K - $93K/yr
The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based applications. This role involves installing, aligning ...
Greenbelt, MD · On-site
$62K - $93K/yr
The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based applications. This role involves installing, aligning ...
$62K - $93K/yr
The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based applications. This role involves installing, aligning ...
$62K - $93K/yr
The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based applications. This role involves installing, aligning ...
Lorton, VA · Hybrid
$180K - $200K/yr
Serve as a technical lead for optical systems, supporting development from concept through prototype, integration, and transition to production. * Perform Detection, Recognition, Identification (DRI ...
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Lorton, VA · Hybrid
$180K - $200K/yr
Serve as a technical lead for optical systems, supporting development from concept through prototype, integration, and transition to production. * Perform Detection, Recognition, Identification (DRI ...
Herndon, VA · On-site
$80K - $145K/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 ...
Herndon, VA · On-site
$80K - $145K/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 ...
$200K - $240K/yr
Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI ... Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems ...
$200K - $240K/yr
Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI ... Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems ...
Herndon, VA · On-site
$150K - $225K/yr
Job Title Principal Electrical Systems Engineer - Electro-Optical Systems Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek is seeking a Principal Electrical Systems Engineer to join our ...
Herndon, VA · On-site
$150K - $225K/yr
Job Title Principal Electrical Systems Engineer - Electro-Optical Systems Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek is seeking a Principal Electrical Systems Engineer to join our ...
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$133K - $172K/yr
Design, develop, and test optical components and systems, including fiber optic networks and devices * Perform characterization and analysis of optical systems and components to ensure optimal ...
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$133K - $172K/yr
Design, develop, and test optical components and systems, including fiber optic networks and devices * Perform characterization and analysis of optical systems and components to ensure optimal ...
$132K - $171K/yr
Design, develop, and test optical components and systems, including fiber optic networks and devices * Perform characterization and analysis of optical systems and components to ensure optimal ...
$132K - $171K/yr
Design, develop, and test optical components and systems, including fiber optic networks and devices * Perform characterization and analysis of optical systems and components to ensure optimal ...
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 ...
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 ...
$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 ...
$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 ...
We are seeking a Senior Optical Amplifier Engineer to join our Advanced Photonics Systems team. As a key technical leader, you will shape the architecture, design, and execution of high-power fiber ...
We are seeking a Senior Optical Amplifier Engineer to join our Advanced Photonics Systems team. As a key technical leader, you will shape the architecture, design, and execution of high-power fiber ...
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$200K - $240K/yr
Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI ... Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems ...
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$200K - $240K/yr
Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI ... Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems ...
$13.61 - $15.12
2% of jobs
$15.12 - $16.63
5% of jobs
$16.63 - $18.14
12% of jobs
$18.65 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$18.14 - $19.65
18% of jobs
The median wage is $20.83 / hr.
$19.65 - $21.16
17% of jobs
$21.16 - $22.67
16% of jobs
$23.55 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$22.67 - $24.18
9% of jobs
$24.18 - $25.69
9% of jobs
$25.69 - $27.20
6% of jobs
$27.20 - $28.71
3% of jobs
$28.71 - $30.22
2% of jobs
$13
$21
$30
| Aspect | Optical Systems | Optical Technicians |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically requires a degree in optical engineering or related field | Often requires technical certification or associate degree in optics or electronics |
| Work Environment | Design labs, research facilities, manufacturing settings | Optical labs, repair shops, manufacturing plants |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used in industries like aerospace, defense, telecommunications | Commonly employed in optical manufacturing, repair, and maintenance |
Optical Systems professionals focus on designing and developing optical devices and systems, often requiring advanced degrees. Optical Technicians support these efforts through hands-on assembly, testing, and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in the optics industry but differ mainly in their responsibilities and educational requirements.

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.
Job duties: As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom design, hand-on building space flight optical flight terminals, and conducting 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 build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser communication terminals, build space fiber lasers, and develop optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating and performing formal acceptance and qualification testing across multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.Experience and expertise required: BS in Physics, Optical engineering or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems. Efficient at developing and executing on complex optical alignment methods
Understanding of opto-mechanical, thermo-optic tolerance and stability. Knowledge of laser theory and industry best practices associated with fiber laser systems including continuous wave, pulsed, and high peak power fiber lasers. Ability or interest in building fiber lasers.
Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance. Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination Desired qualifications: Experience or ability to work within an aerospace environment is a plus including environmental test capability of hardware before/after vibration and inside a thermal vacuum chamber. Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $80,000-$145,000.
This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.Experience and expertise required: BS in Physics, Optical engineering or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems. Efficient at developing and executing on complex optical alignment methods
Understanding of opto-mechanical, thermo-optic tolerance and stability. Knowledge of laser theory and industry best practices associated with fiber laser systems including continuous wave, pulsed, and high peak power fiber lasers. Ability or interest in building fiber lasers.
Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance. Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination Desired qualifications: Experience or ability to work within an aerospace environment is a plus including environmental test capability of hardware before/after vibration and inside a thermal vacuum chamber. Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $80,000-$145,000.
This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.