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Optics Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Multi-band visible and infrared imaging optics including near infrared NIR, shortwave (SWIR ... Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support the entire product life cycle, from ...

Zayo Group, LLC

Network Engineer III - Optical

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$77K - $118K/yr

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

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Electro-Optical (EO) Engineer to join Landmark AOS, SAIC's Prime SETA program in Chantilly, VA. Landmark AOS delivers critical Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory ...

SAIC

Telescope Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems ...

TalentRemedy

Firmware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptics Engineer JobsOptics Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Optics Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$82.3K

$142.4K

$167.1K

How much do optics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics engineer in Virginia is $142,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges optics engineers face when working on interdisciplinary teams?

Optics Engineers often collaborate with professionals from fields such as mechanical engineering, electronics, and software development. A common challenge is ensuring that optical specifications align with mechanical constraints and electronic system requirements, which may require frequent communication and compromise. Misunderstandings can arise due to differences in terminology or priorities, so effective cross-disciplinary communication is essential. Additionally, balancing project timelines and integrating feedback from various stakeholders can require strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Optics Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptics EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optics, physics, or engineering; often requires experience in design and analysisAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field; focuses on assembly and testing
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesManufacturing floors, testing labs, assembly lines
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, research institutionsManufacturers, optical labs, repair facilities

Optics Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring advanced education and analytical skills. Optical Technicians primarily handle assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

What does an optics engineer do?

An Optics Engineer designs, tests, and improves devices and systems that use light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They apply principles of physics and engineering to develop technologies for industries like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. Their work involves research, computer modeling, prototyping, and working closely with other engineers to ensure optimal performance and efficiency of optical systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optics engineer?

To thrive as an Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure precise optical system design, innovation, and successful project execution in industries like telecommunications, defense, and medical devices.
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Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,379 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Advanced Electro-Optical (EO) Systems Engineer

Stratos Solutions

Chantilly, VA • Remote

$132K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 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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