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Optical Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Requisition ID: 934053 Store # : 009703 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Requisition ID: 927078 Store # : 006729 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sales Associate Target Optical

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Requisition ID: 934053 Store # : 009703 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sales Associate Target Optical

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Requisition ID: 927078 Store # : 006729 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

National Vision

Assistant Manager - Optical

Staunton, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.07/hr

Each location combines both parts of the optical equation - eyewear and eye care - into one excellent experience at a single low price. For more details about America's Best, visit AmericasBest.com ...

National Vision

Assistant Manager - Optical

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.07/hr

Each location combines both parts of the optical equation - eyewear and eye care - into one excellent experience at a single low price. For more details about America's Best, visit AmericasBest.com ...

SAIC

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 ...

SAIC

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 ...

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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.

Advanced Electro-Optical (EO) Systems Engineer

Stratos Solutions

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Advanced Electro-Optical (EO) Systems Engineer
Target Labor Category:Intermediate, Senior, Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Position Location: Chantilly, VA (Customer Site)
Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Polygraph
Position Overview
Stratos Solutions has an opportunity for an Advanced Electro-Optical (EO) Systems Engineer to support an Intelligence Community (IC) Space customer within the GEOINT Ground System Program Office (G2SPO) in Northern Virginia. The selected candidate will provide technical expertise supporting the development, acquisition, integration, and operational employment of advanced Electro-Optical (EO) remote sensing systems and associated GEOINT ground processing capabilities.
This role supports the Government in evaluating next-generation EO technologies, assessing system performance, advising on mission architectures, and ensuring new capabilities satisfy operational mission requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with government engineers, acquisition teams, system developers, mission operators, and industry partners to provide technical leadership across the lifecycle of advanced EO systems-from concept development through operational deployment.
The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of EO imaging systems, remote sensing physics, image formation, collection phenomenology, calibration techniques, and GEOINT exploitation workflows. Experience supporting National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), or Intelligence Community space programs is highly desirable.
If you are passionate about advancing the nation's premier Electro-Optical GEOINT capabilities and enabling mission success through innovative engineering, we encourage you to apply.
About Stratos Solutions
Stratos Solutions delivers mission-focused engineering, acquisition, and operations support to the Intelligence Community and national security space enterprise. As an employee-owned company, Stratos combines technical excellence, operational agility, and a deep commitment to customer mission success. Our teams work at the forefront of space and intelligence innovation supporting programs critical to national security.
Responsibilities
The Advanced Electro-Optical Systems Engineer will provide technical expertise supporting the engineering, acquisition, integration, and operational employment of advanced EO collection systems and GEOINT processing capabilities.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Electro-Optical Systems Engineering
  • Provide technical expertise supporting advanced Electro-Optical (EO) collection systems, payloads, and associated ground processing architectures.
  • Evaluate EO system performance, sensor capabilities, and mission effectiveness across the system lifecycle.
  • Support systems engineering activities including requirements development, architecture analysis, design reviews, integration, testing, and operational transition.
  • Assess technical approaches and engineering trade studies supporting future EO capability development.
  • Review technical documentation, interface specifications, architecture products, and engineering baselines.

EO Phenomenology & Remote Sensing
  • Apply expertise in EO phenomenology, image formation, radiometry, optics, detector technologies, and sensor physics.
  • Evaluate the effects of atmospheric conditions, illumination geometry, environmental factors, and collection geometry on image quality and mission performance.
  • Analyze imaging performance metrics including spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), modulation transfer function (MTF), dynamic range, and radiometric performance.
  • Support calibration, characterization, and validation of EO sensor performance.
  • Advise Government stakeholders on the operational capabilities and limitations of EO collection systems.

GEOINT Mission Integration
  • Support integration of EO collection capabilities with GEOINT processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) architectures.
  • Evaluate interoperability between collection systems, processing baselines, exploitation tools, and enterprise GEOINT services.
  • Support mission planning, collection optimization, and operational employment of EO capabilities.
  • Collaborate with mission operators to ensure technical solutions support operational mission requirements.
  • Assess impacts of system changes on downstream GEOINT exploitation workflows.

Technical Assessments & Program Support
  • Conduct independent technical assessments of contractor designs, engineering solutions, and system performance.
  • Participate in technical interchange meetings, engineering reviews, architecture review boards, and acquisition milestone activities.
  • Identify technical risks and provide recommendations to improve system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness.
  • Develop technical reports, white papers, engineering assessments, and executive briefings supporting Government decision-making.
  • Support technology roadmaps and modernization planning for future EO capabilities.

Emerging Technologies & Innovation
  • Evaluate emerging EO sensor technologies, advanced focal plane arrays, computational imaging techniques, onboard processing, AI/ML-enabled exploitation, and cloud-based GEOINT architectures.
  • Assess opportunities to improve collection efficiency, image quality, automation, and mission responsiveness.
  • Maintain awareness of advances in commercial remote sensing, imaging technologies, and Intelligence Community GEOINT capabilities.
  • Provide technical recommendations supporting future capability investments and mission modernization.

Required Qualifications
Education & Clearance
  • Bachelor's Degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
    (Relevant experience may substitute for degree requirements.)
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Technical & Functional Skills
  • Experience supporting Electro-Optical (EO) remote sensing systems, imaging payloads, or GEOINT collection programs.
  • Strong understanding of EO phenomenology, optics, detector technologies, image formation, and remote sensing physics.
  • Experience supporting systems engineering activities across the system lifecycle.
  • Knowledge of GEOINT collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) workflows.
  • Experience evaluating system performance, technical risks, and engineering trade studies.
  • Ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop practical engineering recommendations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience briefing senior Government leadership and technical stakeholders.

Desired Skills / Qualifications
  • Experience supporting the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), particularly GEOINT Ground System Program Office (G2SPO) activities.
  • Experience supporting the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) or other Intelligence Community GEOINT organizations.
  • Knowledge of advanced space-based EO imaging architectures and associated ground processing systems.
  • Experience with radiometric calibration, geometric calibration, sensor characterization, image quality analysis, or optical system performance evaluation.
  • Familiarity with image exploitation software, GEOINT processing baselines, and enterprise GEOINT architectures.
  • Experience supporting Electro-Optical payload integration, mission planning, or collection operations.
  • Knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), multispectral, hyperspectral, or multi-INT integration concepts.
  • Experience supporting acquisition programs, Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA), or Government program offices.
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), requirements management tools, or digital engineering practices.
  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Remote Sensing, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is highly desirable.
  • INCOSE CSEP, PMP, or other relevant professional certifications are a plus.

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