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Optics Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Columbia Eye Associates LLC

Optician

Columbia, MD · On-site

$18 - $27/hr

Optician / Optical Sales Associate Columbia Eye Associates Columbia, Maryland Full-Time | Competitive Pay | Benefits Available At Columbia Eye Associates, we believe patients should feel welcomed ...

Columbia Eye Associates LLC

Optician

Columbia, MD · On-site

$18 - $27/hr

Optician / Optical Sales Associate Columbia Eye Associates Columbia, Maryland Full-Time | Competitive Pay | Benefits Available At Columbia Eye Associates, we believe patients should feel welcomed ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Lead Technician

Ashburn, VA · On-site

The Lead Technician - Fiber Optic Engineering is responsible for supporting the successful day-to-day execution of fiber optic deployment, splicing, testing, and maintenance activities across large ...

KBR, Inc.

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Optical Technician Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for ...

KBR

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Optical Technician Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

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 ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

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 ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

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 ...

PeopleLift

Fiber Optic Technician (OSP/ISP)

Dulles, VA · On-site

$30/hr

Fiber Optic Technician (OSP/ISP) - Virginia Join a fast-moving team building and maintaining high-quality fiber networks. We're hiring a Fiber Optic Technician who can work safely, troubleshoot ...

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$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

$164K - $213K/yr

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 ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

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 ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

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 ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOptics JobsOptics Jobs in Washington

Optics information

See Washington salary details

$94K

$162.7K

$190.8K

How much do optics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics in Washington is $162,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,100.00 and $189,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optics?

Optics jobs involve working with the science and technology of light, including its generation, manipulation, transmission, and detection. Professionals in this field may work as optical engineers, technicians, or researchers, designing lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems for applications in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. These roles often require a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering, and they can be found in both research and practical, hands-on settings.

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

To thrive as an Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laser systems, and photonics instrumentation is commonly required, along with relevant certifications. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and conveying technical information. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative optical systems, ensuring precision, and meeting project requirements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in optics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optics often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, ensuring precision in measurements and alignments, and troubleshooting complex optical systems. To address these issues, it's important to stay current through continued education, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Many optics roles also emphasize hands-on experience and the ability to adapt to new tools or software, so proactive learning and effective communication are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Optics vs Optical Technician?

AspectOpticsOptical Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in physics, optics, or related fieldOften requires a certificate or associate degree in optical technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, academiaOptical labs, manufacturing facilities, retail optical stores
Industry UsageResearch, development, manufacturing of optical devicesAssembly, testing, and fitting of optical instruments and eyewear

Optics generally refers to the scientific study and development of light and optical systems, often requiring advanced education. Optical Technicians focus on assembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices, typically with technical certifications. While both roles work within the optical industry, Optics is more research-oriented, whereas Optical Technicians are more hands-on in manufacturing and service environments.

What is a job in optics?

A job in optics involves designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often work in research labs or manufacturing environments and may require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools like optical software or measurement instruments.

What jobs use optics?

Jobs that use optics include optical engineers, laser technicians, and photonics scientists, who design, develop, and test optical systems and devices. These roles often require knowledge of optics principles, precision measurement tools, and sometimes certifications in laser safety or optical design software. They are common in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and defense.

What are popular job titles related to Optics jobs in Washington?

For Optics jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optics jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Optics jobs in Washington are:

Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,653 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Optician (Mitchellville & Clinton)

Vision Source

Mitchellville, MD • On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Vision Source rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 40 rated optical retailers

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
 
In this Optician role, you will be an important part of an outstanding team, seamlessly taking appreciative customers through the procedure of selecting and ordering eyewear and accessories that best suit them, assisting with fitting, and providing education on the proper care for their chosen products — all within a fun and upbeat environment. In addition to on-the-job training, you will have access to continuing education classes so you can gain the skills you need to advance.  
If you are looking to grow your career while having the time of your life, apply for our Optician job opening today!ResponsibilitiesOptician required skills & qualifications include:
 
  • Prior customer service or sales experience
  • Fashion savvy and enjoy helping people in a customer setting
  • Comfortable with sales and making transactions
  • Works well in a team environment
  • Familiar with MS Office Suite programs
  • Experience in the Optical field a plus
Required SkillsOptician required skills & qualifications include:
 
  • Prior customer service or sales experience
  • Fashion savvy and enjoy helping people in a customer setting
  • Comfortable with sales and making transactions
  • Works well in a team environment
  • Familiar with MS Office Suite programs
  • Experience in the Optical field a plus

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