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Optical Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...

3M HEALTHCARE

Optical Engineer III

Reston, VA · On-site

$85 - $134/hr

The Optical Engineer III will help monitor the network and troubleshoot network issues, and ensure we are able to provide guaranteed performance and capacity to our products. * Scope: Engineers ...

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$80K - $145K/yr

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 ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...

Boots

Optical Assistant

Chesterfield, VA

About the role As an Optical Assistant you will be a fundamental part of our Boots Opticians store team, being the first and last person that our customers interact with. You will be based in store ...

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

Job Title Optical Communication Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based ...

Boots

Optical Assistant

Chesterfield, VA

About the role As an Optical Assistant you will be a fundamental part of our Boots Opticians store team, being the first and last person that our customers interact with. You will be based in store ...

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 ...

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

$77K - $176K/yr

Optical Engineer The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex ...

New

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Your Job As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Your Job As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on ...

SAIC

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed, high-capacity optical communications systems and equipment * Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed switching layer (SONET, Carrier ...

Zayo Group, LLC

Network Engineer II - Optical

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$61K - $94K/yr

Our Network Engineer II - Optical is responsible for effectively communicating with internal order management personnel and various internal teams on the progress of the capacity fulfillment. Our ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Virginia

Optical information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Virginia is $21.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are optical jobs?

Optical jobs refer to roles within the vision care and eyewear industry, such as opticians, optical assistants, and technicians. These professionals help customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist with vision tests, and provide support to optometrists and ophthalmologists. They may also perform repairs and adjustments on eyewear and educate customers about lens options and eye care. Working in optical jobs typically requires strong customer service skills and a basic understanding of eye anatomy and optical products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Technician, you need a strong understanding of optics, lens fabrication, and vision correction, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with lensometers, auto-refractors, and optical dispensing software is typically required. Attention to detail, customer service skills, and effective communication help you excel when assisting patients and collaborating with eye care professionals. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate prescription fulfillment, patient satisfaction, and the smooth operation of optical services.

What are some common challenges faced by optical technicians, and how can they effectively address them?

Optical technicians often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving lens technologies, managing high volumes of customer orders, and ensuring precise fabrication and fitting of eyewear. Staying updated through ongoing training and certifications is essential to handle new equipment and materials. Additionally, strong communication and organizational skills help in coordinating with optometrists and delivering excellent customer service. Collaborating closely with the rest of the optical team ensures that patient needs are met efficiently and accurately.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and an optician?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both medical eye care professionals, but they differ in their level of training. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and complete eight years of medical school. They can practice medicine and perform surgery. Optometrists are not medical doctors. Optometrists earn a doctor of optometry degree after attending four years of optometry school. These professionals primarily perform eye exams and vision tests, but they can also identify some basic eye abnormalities. Optometrists are also licensed to prescribe some medications. Opticians are eyewear specialists and do not need any formal medical education.

What is the difference between Optical vs Optometrist?

AspectOpticalOptometrist
CredentialsTypically requires optical technician or assistant certificationRequires Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retail, labsClinics, private practices, healthcare settings
Industry UsageFocuses on eyewear fitting, lens selection, customer serviceFocuses on eye exams, vision testing, diagnosing eye conditions

Optical roles mainly involve assisting with eyewear and customer service, while optometrists provide comprehensive eye care and diagnosis. Both are essential in eye health but differ significantly in education and scope of practice.

How long is schooling to become an optical?

Becoming an optical technician typically requires completing a post-secondary program or certificate that lasts from several months up to a year. For opticians, the process often involves completing an associate degree or a specialized training program, followed by certification or licensing depending on the state or country. Practical experience and knowledge of optical equipment are also important components of training.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians assist in the fabrication, repair, and fitting of eyeglasses and optical devices, often working in retail or laboratory settings. The role typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment with opportunities for advancement in the eye care industry.
More about Optical jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Virginia?

For Optical jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,210 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

QinetiQ

Lorton, VA • On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).
QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.
Why Join QinetiQ US?
If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.
Position Overview
QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with a willingness to learn new skills to join our team.
In this role you will contribute directly to products and systems ensuring our Warfighters have overmatch against our adversaries and our Homeland is secure. You'll support programs to provide our customers with capabilities like long-range optics for scout surveillance and fires support, body-worn EOIR sensors, fire control, and more- you'll help provide the sensing capability that enables the 'observe' stage of the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop.
You will work with Key technologies, including:
  • Multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR)
  • EOIR sensors
  • Tactical lasers, Class 1-4
  • Optical boresight and stabilization

Success in this role is defined as delivering robust EOIR optical designs, guiding prototype integration, and collaborating effectively across engineering disciplines to transition systems into production.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of multi-band multi-aperture EOIR imaging sensor, lens, and laser subassemblies for next-generation defense systems. Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from conceptualization, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, fielding, to sustainment. This role will have responsibility in the following areas:
  • Requirements Analysis and Specification Definition
    • Decompose customer system requirements and performance specifications and define opto-mechanical, imaging sensor, and display specifications.
    • Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of multi-band electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems.
  • Imaging Sensor Optical Design
    • Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors.
    • Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software.
    • Select appropriate components including, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses, and lasers to meet program requirements.
    • Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems.
  • Laboratory Optical Characterization
    • Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators, optical alignment stations for centration and tip/tilt, and more.
    • Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type.
    • Test and validate delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements.
    • Design new tests and test stations and construct laboratory apparatus as needed to support program test and validation requirements.
  • Prototype Integration
    • Build and integrate EOIR prototype subsystems, including cameras, optics, and lasers.
    • Perform precise alignment and boresighting of optical components and sub-assemblies in multi-aperture multi-band and imaging and laser systems.
  • Transition to Manufacturing
    • Generate technical documentation and reports.
    • Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff.
    • Assist in creating manufacturing work instructions.
    • Transition relevant fabrication or test benches from the prototyping to manufacturing environments.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field
  • 10+ years of experience in imaging and laser optical design, including:
    • Specifying EOIR and imaging sensor optical components
    • Modeling imaging sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition, and identification range of objects
    • Designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax, CODE V, or other relevant industry-standard software packages
    • Integrating imaging sensors, optical assemblies, and lasers into optical benches and system prototypes
    • Manipulating visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources
    • Working in laboratory environments including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting
  • Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
  • Occasional (up 10%) travel to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
  • Must currently hold an Active DoD Secret or higher-level clearance #qinetiqclearedjob

Preferred Qualifications
  • Background working in the defense or aerospace industry
  • Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM (Night Vision Integrated Performance Model) or similar package
  • Ability to mentor junior optical engineers
  • Hyperspectral system design
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills
  • Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems, and methods of beam steering
  • Experience specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems
  • A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers

Pay Transparency
The salary range for this role is $164,500- $213,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Company EEO Statement
Accessibility/Accommodation:
If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.
QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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