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Optical Systems Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek

Systems Integrator / Test Engineer

Herndon, VA

$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

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Landmark AOS delivers critical Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) expertise to the ... Experience with Electro-Optical systems, including tasking, command & control, collection, mission ...

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Optical Systems information

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$13

$21

$30

How much do optical systems jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical systems in Washington is $21.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical systems, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Optical Systems often encounter challenges such as precise alignment of optical components, maintaining system stability, and minimizing signal loss or distortion. These issues can be addressed by employing advanced alignment tools, rigorous quality control procedures, and thorough testing protocols. Collaboration with engineers and cross-disciplinary teams is also essential to troubleshoot and refine system designs. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and standards in optics further helps in overcoming these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in optical systems, and why are they important?

To excel in Optical Systems, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree such as optical engineering or applied physics. Familiarity with technical tools like Zemax, MATLAB, and CAD software, as well as experience with optical testing equipment, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing, analyzing, and implementing high-performance optical solutions that meet precise technical requirements.

What is the difference between Optical Systems vs Optical Technicians?

AspectOptical SystemsOptical Technicians
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in optical engineering or related fieldOften requires technical certification or associate degree in optics or electronics
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, manufacturing settingsOptical labs, repair shops, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsCommonly 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.

What are optical systems?

Optical systems are assemblies or setups that use light and lenses, mirrors, or other optical components to manipulate, control, or detect light for a variety of applications. These systems are found in devices like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and fiber optics. They are essential in fields such as telecommunications, imaging, scientific research, and manufacturing, enabling precise measurement, visualization, and data transmission. Specialists in optical systems design, build, and maintain these complex assemblies to achieve specific optical performance.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Systems jobs in Washington? For Optical Systems jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Systems jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Systems jobs in Washington are:
Optical Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,499 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Systems Engineer - EO/IR

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer Level 3 or Level 4 located in Dulles, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.
The qualified candidate will support a program within the Space Superiority Sector, with a focus on Electro-Optical (EO) / Laser Systems.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
Your mission, should you choose to accept:
  • Demonstrate technical understanding in the field of EO/Laser Systems and Sensors.
  • Development, analysis, maturation and implementation of EO / Laser System requirements in both hardware and software
  • Work with a mission engineering team to translate Customer needs into lower-level EO / Laser requirements that meet the mission
  • Modeling/Developing / analyzing sensor performance, predicting performance
  • Ensure performance capabilities of new systems traded against cost and mission requirements and assess operational effectiveness of existing and emerging systems and capabilities in representative operational environments.
  • Manage aspects of system design, analysis, verification, testing, and failure/anomaly resolution
  • Manage various subcontractors through system development, implementation, and test with a focus on mission-level requirements.
  • Effectively communicate technical approaches and findings to audiences of various technical backgrounds

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience or Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience or PhD with 1 year of professional experience
  • Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time
  • Demonstrated experience with EO, Laser or other optical systems
  • Experience with EOIR sensor component design and performance analysis
  • Knowledge of system engineering design methods, including requirements analysis and flow-down, specification derivation and interface control documentation.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:
  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience or Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience or PhD with 4 years of professional experience
  • Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time
  • Demonstrated experience with EO, Laser or other optical systems
  • Experience with EOIR sensor component design and performance analysis
  • Knowledge of system engineering design methods, including requirements analysis and flow-down, specification derivation and interface control documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience with EO, Laser or other optical systems for airborne or space platforms
  • Work experience in one of the following areas related to EOIR and/or laser systems: laser communication, lasers, LiDAR, sensing, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic protection, ID, or adaptive technique
  • Work experience with build, integration, test, and verification approaches for EOIR systems
  • Capable of mentoring and teaching peers and junior engineers on EOIR systems design and performance behaviors
  • An understanding of the physical limitations to implementing complex algorithms in real hardware
  • Experience working with free-space optics and characterizing optical/laser systems
  • Understanding of optical metrology to measure parameters such as laser power, wavelength, pulse width, divergence and beam quality
  • Experience collaborating with and presenting to external partners such as customers and other contractors

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
#NOVASPACE
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

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At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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