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Optical Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

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 ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. * Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of ...

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/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 ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

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 ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Optical information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$11

$22

$38

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Silver Spring, MD is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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.
More about Optical jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Optical Communication Engineer

Optical Communication Engineer

Fibertek

Herndon, VA • On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

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 creativityExperience 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

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